Practices by Stakeholder 2

Type of Practices by Stakeholder: 
States
Description: 

Dedicated funds to address emergency needs

Many States have dedicated resources to be deployed during natural disasters and other crises to meet the emergency needs of their population. Earmarking funds to better address the needs of migrants would help ensure they are included in crisis responses and that their special needs are addressed. Such funds could cover:

  • Translation of materials into multiple languages;
  • Interpretation support for first responders encountering migrants needing assistance;
  • Support to migrant and diaspora organizations to engage their assistance in reaching migrants;
  • Reimbursement of costs borne by first responders, including police, emergency rooms in hospitals, shelters, and other facilities, whose costs for assisting migrants, including migrants in an irregular status, are not otherwise covered by public or private funding;
  • Resources for the evacuation of migrants who are unable to pay for evacuation costs.

Dedicated funds to address post-crisis needs

The establishment of reintegration funds or budget lines to support the immediate needs of migrants and their families affected by a crisis can support reconstruction, return, and reintegration efforts. Such funds are particularly relevant for States of origin with significant numbers of citizens abroad and whose economy relies on remittances. When it is not possible to set aside dedicated funds, States can identify these costs in fiscal planning and take other measures to access funding, including through international financial institutions. Aspects that States can consider in establishing funds include:

  • Using funds to support migrants’ return and reintegration efforts or directly allocating money to migrants;
  • Allocating funds based on need and other pre-selected criteria, or following a competitive process;
  • Voluntary or mandatory migrant contributions;
  • Matching funds, where States and migrants both contribute;
  • Whether to build partnerships with banks and other financial institutions, including international and regional financial institutions;
  • The scope of coverage of funds (e.g., livelihood restoration upon return, housing and other basic needs, and reconstruction);
  • Effective monitoring and accounting procedures.