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Add to Preferred SourcesThe Board of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank has approved the use of its special grant facility to support operations that help countries integrate migrants into local communities and contribute to their development.
The initiative is in response to unprecedented and sudden intraregional migration flows impacting countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It will use the Bank’s grant facility in combination with economic and social development loan operations, to help receiving countries provide better access to health, education, housing, security, and other services in communities struggling to integrate new arrivals.
Under the approved proposal, the IDB will provide $100 million from its facility, with additional resources expected to be provided by the donor community. These grant funds will be combined with regular IDB loan operations of $800 million.
“Latin America has welcomed migrants throughout its history, and indeed many communities have shown great generosity and solidarity in receiving families who often arrive in desperate conditions,” said Antoni Estevadeordal, the Special Advisor at the IDB who coordinates the initiative. “Over time, migrants can help make communities more dynamic and prosperous. However, if not adequately managed the short term, these inflows can strain public services and fiscal budgets, impact labor markets, and generate political tensions.”
The UN and civil society organizations are already providing immediate humanitarian aid delivered mainly through national and local governments. The IDB will work with other multilateral institutions to address the mid and longer-term needs of migrants and their host communities.
Because of its capacity, local presence and regional knowledge, the IDB is in a position to rapidly assist countries that want to design, pilot and implement such solutions.
Original source: IADB
Published on 07 May 2019