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Unity in Diversity — Championing Migrant Rights

A humanitarian approach that protects the fundamental rights of migrants in Trinidad and Tobago

Duration: March 2025 to December 2027

EU Contribution: EUR 250,000 (NDICI/HR INTPA 2024/461-538), with co-financing of EUR 68,848

Location: Trinidad and Tobago

Implementing partner: Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

Overview

Unity in Diversity is a three-year initiative focused on strategic advocacy, direct migrant support and organisational capacity building. It addresses gaps in healthcare, education and the detention of migrants, and supports grassroots organisations to be more effective in their work. The project seeks a more inclusive and distinct humanitarian approach in which the fundamental rights of migrants are protected and aligned with international best practice, supported by a community of civil society organisations equipped to advocate for migrants at the grassroots level.

Thematic Areas and Activities

  • Access to Healthcare: creation of a Health Technical Advisory Committee and training for healthcare workers on cultural sensitivity; Health Navigator Volunteers to assist migrants; Emergency Medical Responder training for rural communities; mental health services through referrals, Psychological First Aid training and digital tools; and direct healthcare provision through the Henry Dunant Clinic and mobile clinics.
  • Access to Education: cultural awareness training for school counsellors; expansion of the Youth Links programme for integration; and anti-xenophobia and non-violence education for local students.
  • Human Rights of Detainees: sensitisation and training for police and detention officers; capacity-building and life-skills training for detainees; and a Restoring Family Links initiative helping detainees reconnect with their families.
  • Support to Civil Society Organisations: governance, project management and financial training; peer-to-peer mentorship; sub-granting for NGOs to implement migrant-focused projects; two education grants (EUR 3,500 each) for raising awareness on public school enrolment; and two civil society grants (EUR 7,500 each) for innovative migrant support projects.

Expected Objectives and Results

Objective: To create a more inclusive humanitarian approach to working with and for migrants in Trinidad and Tobago, where their fundamental rights are protected and aligned with international best practice, supported by strengthened civil society organisations.

The project pursues four outcomes:

  • Protecting healthcare access for migrants as a fundamental human right;
  • Empowering migrant and local children's right to education;
  • Safeguarding prisoner rights, with a focus on immigration detention;
  • Strengthening civil society for migrants, women, children, prisoners and LGBTQI+ people.

Target Groups and Impact

Estimated beneficiaries include 1,200 migrant adults with chronic diseases; 600 individuals receiving mental health services; more than 100 children in primary school integration programmes; 10 schools in each of the eight education districts participating in the anti-xenophobia programme; more than 20 detainees benefiting from training and support; and more than 10 NGOs receiving training and grants.