The United Nations System Costa Rica (UNS) in collaboration with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and the National Coalition against the Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons (CONATT) celebrated the graduation ceremony and official handover of the Training of Trainers program “Orange Guide: basis for health care with a gender and culturally sensitive approach to migrants and tools for health personnel in the approach and referral of possible cases of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants”.

This activity was carried out within the framework of the Joint Program “Costa Rica against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants”. This is the culmination of the training process in which more than 100 health care officials from different areas of the country participated. With the objective of strengthening the capacities of health personnel in culturally sensitive care and the identification of trafficking cases, as well as priority attention to victims, given the increase of criminal groups in the region that involve smuggling and trafficking in persons. 

Dr. Natalia Bejarano, from the Health Services Network Directorate of the Medical Management of the CCSS mentions that “Thanks to this training program, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund was able to strengthen the capacities of its professionals working in health centers both in the central offices and in communities with a high flow of migrants, such as the Huetar Atlántica, South Brunca and North areas. Strengthening their tools, commitment, skills and vocation of service to respond to the comprehensive and culturally sensitive care of migrants in Costa Rica”.

In addition, six toolkits with didactic resources were donated. These include a methodological guide for facilitators and a pocket protocol containing the abbreviated version of the Protocol of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) for the Comprehensive Care of Victims of the Crime of Human Trafficking in the health services, among other materials that facilitate the processes of identification, approach and health care of possible cases of human trafficking. The functionality and clarity of each resource allows health personnel to consult quickly and strategically, facilitating the use compatible with the daily dynamics of care, thus improving the response to the needs of comprehensive care and awareness of cases of human trafficking.

During the event, UN Resident Coordinator Allegra Baiocchi said, “For the United Nations, its partners and strategic allies, these challenges are a call to action. The capacity building implemented during these months attests to the work to address these scourges and to ensure the fullfillment of human rights for all people regardless of their origin or situation, especially for victims of human trafficking and smuggled migrants. 

As part of the activities for November 25, Day of Non-Violence against Women and the 16 days of activism, this event highlights the inter-institutional collaboration and the work of the Costa Rican government to continue advancing in its commitment to provide health care that is dignified, culturally sensitive and respectful of the human rights of the migrant population. This initiative is funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF), and also allows to accompany the Costa Rican government in the implementation of the Global Compact for Orderly, Safe and Regular Migration, contributing to the achievement of goals 7, 9, 10, 10, 11 and 15, as well as Goals 5, 10 and 16 of the SDGs.

For more information, please contact Allen Ulloa, National Communications Officer, at aulloa@iom.int.