Presentation

1. Responding to the Refugee and
Displacement Crisis
Quentin Wodon, Chair
Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement,
and Migration

2. TODAY’S SESSION – EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS
• Intro, US projects, Rotary grants, & knowledge (10’)
• Project in Honduras (12’)
• Project in Venezuela (12’)
• Project in Uganda (5’)
• Plenty of time for Q&A
2

3. BACKGROUND ON THE RAG
• Approved in November 2020
• Small RAG - ~200 members, but growing
• 1st RI convention in Houston
• Collaboration with Rotary Fellowship for Global Dev.
• Twin focus – 1) Projects & 2) Knowledge
3

4. PROJECTS IN THE US:
2) SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AFGHAN WOMEN
4
Scholarships for Afghan
women for undergraduate
studies at Notre Dame of
Maryland University (two full
scholarships plus room, plus
two partial 70% scholarships).
Contact: Ademar Bechtold

5. PROJECTS IN THE US:
1) BOOKS FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES
5
Mini-libraries of children's
books in Dari, Pashto and
English, educational
games, and, in some
cases, digital tablets, for
Afghan families resettling
in the United States.
Contact: Anthony Bloome

6. PROJECTS IN THE US:
3) RCC FOR AFGHAN COMMUNITY IN MINNESOTA
•Goal to provide 1500+ Afghan refugees in
Minnesota region with basic needs: food,
housing, clothing, and transportation
•English language classes for both children
and adults
•Driving lessons and the translation of the
Minnesota Driver's License Manual
•Connect them with resources for jobs, legal
advice, resettlement programs.
6

7. GLOBAL GRANTS CAN PROVIDE
• Vocational training
• Language-learning and cultural-
integration programs
• Microcredit loans
• After school tutoring programs
• Trauma support programs
DISASTER RESPONSE GRANTS CAN
PROVIDE
• Basic necessities (water, food)
• Household items and clothing
DISTRICT GRANTS CAN PROVIDE
• Household items and clothing
• School supplies for children
• Apply by contacting your district leaders.
USE ROTARY
GRANTS TO
SUPPORT YOUR
INITIATIVE
Contact your Regional Grants Officer with
questions.
7

8. KNOWLEDGE:
1) WEBINAR SERIES
8
Latest webinars with
the Rotary Peace
Project Incubator in
April to share 5
projects, and with RI
and Welcome US in
May on hosting.

9. KNOWLEDGE:
2) PUBLICATIONS
9
• Migration &
Development
Bulletin
• Reports &
special issues
(plan to expand)

10. Responding to the Refugee and Displacement Crisis:
Rotarians Taking Action to
Address Migration
in, through, and from Honduras
Elaine Hernandez, PhD
D5930
Rotary Club of Mission, Texas
7 June 2022

11. 11
Rotary Leadership:
The art and science of
engaging, inspiring and influencing
in order to achieve
a compelling vision and
change lives.

12. 12
Rotarians from Honduras and the United States are partnering
with Academia (UNAH & UT-RGV), Local Governments (AMHON),
and Civil Society (Honduran Red Cross)

13. 13
I. Humanitarian emergency response (shelter, food, first aid,
psychosocial support, safety)
II. Sustainable development investments (Global Grants,
District Grants)
III. Professionalized migration management in countries of
origin, transit, and reception (research, advocacy)
IV. Advocacy for legal pathways for labor migration and
protection
Four Areas for Rotarians to Act:

14. 14
Addressing the drivers of migration, protecting
people in the region and upholding the rights of
migrants at all stages of their journeys require:
 Political will
 Economic resources
 Creative thinking
 Collaboration at the local, regional, national
and international levels

15. 15
CONTEXTO
Migration Transit Points in Honduras
República de Nicaragua
República de El
Salvador
República de Guatemala
La Fraternidad, SMC
Guasaule
Las Manos
Trojes
Toncontin
CAMI Choluteca
Corinto
Ocotepeque
Omoa
El Amatillo
San Pedro Sula
El Florido
Catacamas
Distrito Central

16. 16
I. Humanitarian emergency response (shelter, food, first aid,
psychosocial support), particularly for women and children

17. 17
Venezuelan
migrant
begging for
help in
Choluteca,
Honduras.
May 24, 2022

18. 18
Shelters are needing
donations of food,
clothing, and hygiene
kits

19. 19
Migrants from Sri
Lanka
Migrants
from
Venezuela,
Nicaragua
and Cuba

20. 20
II. Sustainable development investments (Global Grants, District
Grants) in two Municipalities
Quimistan, Santa Barbara La Libertad, Comayagua

21. 21
Rotarians, Honduran Red Cross, and Academia
meeting with the Mayor and Community Leaders in
Quimistan, Santa Barbara, Honduras – May 26, 2022

22. 22
Rotarians, Honduran Red Cross, and Academia
meeting with the Mayor and Community Leaders in La
Libertad, Comayagua, Honduras – May 22, 2022

23. 23
Global Grants will focus on
community economic
development, job training,
entrepreneurship training,
and cultural development for
returned migrant youth.

24. III. Professionalized migration management in countries of
origin, transit, and reception
24
UNAH will establish a “Center of Excellence in Migration” to conduct research, publish results, and measure impact of the
collaborative engagement of partners.

25. Center for the Reintegration of Migrant Children and Families – Belen will
receive social worker students from UNAH
25
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

26. COIPRODEN: Network of Institutions for the Rights of Children host Social Work
Students from UNAH
26

27. 27
IV. Legal pathways for labor migration and protection
The United States, Canada and Mexico must increase legal
channels for Central Americans to migrate – through both
labor migration and protection pathways.
Central Americans are migrating through irregular means
because there simply are not enough legal pathways to
migrate.

28. 28
Mayors from Quimistan and La Libertad are working with the coalition of
Rotarians, Academics, and Red Cross representatives to give a voice to migrants
and advocate within the Honduran Government for legal pathways to migration
and the safe reintegration of returned migrants to their communities.

29. Author: Victor J. Hinojosa
A good story is the
oldest tool of
influence in human
history.
29

30. 30
Finding Our Way Home:
A Photovoice Journey of Returned Migrants in
Honduras

31. Photovoice Story Telling
31
Returned migrants in Comayagua, Honduras telling
their stories.
Rotarians from Texas and Honduras teaching the photovoice
methodology.

32. Photovoice Story Telling to Elected Officials
32

33. https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/crossing-the-rio-grande-idUKRTX6MGWN. Accessed August 29, 2021.
33

34. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters-by-component Accessed November 13, 2021.
34

35. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics Accessed November 13, 2021
35

36. 5,409
10,468
12,568
20,929
4,787
39,906
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21
SW Border Encounters of
Unaccompanied Minors from Honduras FY16-FY21
36

37. 37
In FY 2022 (October 2021 – April 2022)
19,884
Unaccompanied Minor Children
from Honduras
have been encountered
at the US Southern Border
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters. Accessed May 18, 2022

38. 38
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/17/us/border-why-children-cross-alone/index.html (Accessed May 18, 2022.)

39. 88,272
261,122
41,543
319,325
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21
SW Border Encounters of
All Hondurans
FY18 – FY21
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters
Accessed November 13, 2021
39

40. 20,226 22,366
47,766
193,228
11,176
166,089
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21
SW Border Encounters of
Family Units from Honduras
FY16-FY21
40

41. 22,258
17,110
27,880
46,947
27,380
126,065
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21
SW Border Encounters of
Single Adults from Honduras
FY16-FY21
41

42. 42
Migration is promoted as a human right.
Migration is accepted as an aspect of national and local
culture.
The Honduran economy depends on remittances from
the United States from those who have successfully
arrived into the USA.

43. Source: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00Z69J.pdf
Remittances to
Honduras in 2021:
$7.37 billion
USD
43

44. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/BX.TRF.PWKR.DT.GD.ZS?end=2020&locations=HN&start=1974&view=chart . Accessed November 14, 2021.
2006: 21.603%
2020: 23.454%
Personal Remittances Received as a
% of GDP of Honduras 1974 - 2020
44

45. Personal Remittances for Building Homes
45

46. Charting a New Regional Course of Action: The Complex Motivations and Costs of Central American Migration
(migrationpolicy.org).
Accessed December 8, 2021.
46
“ Though no single factor drives migration on its own,
economic stagnation in Central America has been a
persistent feature and one that has worsened because of
the COVID-19 pandemic.” p. 5
“There is renewed political interest in the region that
stretches from Panama to Canada in collaboratively
addressing the root causes of migration and
displacement.” p. 6

47. What can Rotarians do to
help address the complex humanitarian crisis?
Support and donate to the Rotary Foundation and other local,
national, and international organizations which provide
humanitarian service such as shelter, emergency meals, and
clothing.
Support Global Grant applications targeting the reintegration of
returned migrants, prevention of migration, and support for
international transiting migrants.
47

48. 48
“The person who influences me most is not
he who does great deeds, but he who
makes me feel that I can do great deeds.”
Mary Parker Follet, 1918
Rotary Leadership:

49. For further information, please contact:
Dr. Elaine Hernandez
ehernandez2125@gmail.com
Cell: +1 956-648-9061
Gracias!
Thank You!
49

50. Cristal Montañéz Baylor, International Coordinador
Ambassador International Service Committee District 4380 Venezuela
Honorary Member Rotary Club of Cúcuta District 4271
Member Rotary e-Club of Houston
June 7, 2022

51. Why are Venezuelans
fleeing their country?

52. NO Rule of Law
Violence &
Political Instability Prevails
NO Respect for Human Rights
NO Justice NO Freedom

53. Venezuela is a
Failed State
58.3 %
Unemployment Rate
Crime is Rampant
Minimum Monthly Salary $28.50
91%
Food Insecurity

54. NO Food
NO Water
NO Electricity
NO Gasoline

55. NO Medicines nor
Medical Supplies NO Health System
Hospitals are
Collapsed
The Venezuelan crisis can cause
a public health emergency
in South America

57. The largest exodus in the
history of Latin America

59. More than 6.13 Million
Venezuelans refugees &
migrants have flee Venezuela
Colombia has received more
than 1.8 Million Venezuelans
845,000 Colombian Returnees
5.08 Million Venezuelan refugees & migrants in Latin America & the Caribbean

61.  An average person walks at a speed of
5 km/hour
 One hour by vehicle equals10 hours walking
 The walking time is relative and depends on the
weight the walkers “caminantes” carry, their physical
condition and resistance, the weather, food and
shelter availability, type of shoe, whether they walk
with children, and senior citizens, etc.
Pamplona

67. Hope For Venezuelan Refugees is an emergency humanitarian
project created to respond to the food insecurity and alleviate hunger
affecting thousands of Venezuelan refugees, migrants, in transit
“caminantes” on the Cúcuta-Pamplona humanitarian route in
Colombia.

68. Houston - Cúcuta Rotary Team

69. Rotary e-Club District
5890
Coordinating
Organization
Rise Against Hunger
&
Other Donors
Rotary Club Cúcuta
District 4271
Facilitating
Organization
Logistic Partner in
Pamplona
Beneficiary & Partner
Organizations
Staff, Coordinators &
Volunteers from Food
Distribution Centers &
Shelters
Logistics Partners in
Cúcuta

70. 2-40’ containers & 1-20’ container with more than 46 tons of Rise Against Hunger
fortified meals departed from the Port of Houston
The containers arrived in the Port
of Cartagena and were
transported to Cúcuta &
Pamplona

73. Phases 1 & 2 Partners & Donors
Pre-COVID-19
Phase 1: Rise Against Hunger - Rotary of Club Humble - Rotary Club of Brazosport - Rotary Club of El Campo - Rotary Club of
Highlands - Rotary Club of Baytown - Rotary Club of Gulfway Hobby - Rotary Club of Katy - Rotary Club of West University - Rotary
Club of Memorial Spring Branch - Rotary Club of El Paso Camino Real - Rotary Club of Calgary - Rotary Club of Somerset - Rotary
Cúcuta - Rotary e-Club of Houston
Phase 2: Rise Against Hunger - Perrysburg Rotary Club - Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation - Downtown Rotary Club of Houston -
Rotary Club of Humble - Rotary Club Karlovac-Dubovac - Rotary Cúcuta - Rotary e-Club of Houston

75. Phases 3-6 Partners & Donors
COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Phase 3: Rotary e-Club of Houston - Rotary Cúcuta – Individuals - Rotary e-Club of Houston - Chanhassen Rotary – Foundation and
Rotary Club Chanhassen - Rotary Cúcuta II - Rotary Club Los Patios - Houston Karachi Sister City Association - Alliance for Disaster
Relief - Fundación Misión Humanitaria - Individuals
Phase 4: Rise Against Hunger - Rotary e-Club of Houston - Rotary Cúcuta - Chanhassen Rotary Foundation/Rotary Club Chanhassen -
Individuals
Phase 5: United4Change Center - RAG for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration - Rotary Club of Washington Global - Rotary
Fellowship for Global Development - Chanhassen Rotary Foundation & Rotary Club Chanhassen - Venezuelan Association of
Massachusetts - Banco de Alimentos de la Diócesis de Cúcuta - Supermercados Ebenezer & Supermercados Betel - Action4Help -
Acción Social Venezuelan-CHRIO Houston - Interact Club of Hancock High School - Good Bears of the World - Venezuelan Association
of Massachusetts - Individuals
Phase 6: United4Change Center - Rotary Club of Washington DC & Rotary Foundation of Washington DC - Rotary Cúcuta - Individuals

77. Coordinators, Volunteers & Partners

78. Objective 1
To respond to food insecurity and hunger
affecting thousands of Venezuelan refugees,
migrants in transit “caminantes” through the
donation of food commodities to the selected
food distribution centers and shelters on the
Cúcuta-Pamplona humanitarian route.

79. Objective 2
Procure and distribute locally produced
food commodities to the selected food
distribution centers & shelters cooking and
serving meals to the refugees, migrants in
transit “caminantes” on the Cúcuta-
Pamplona route to:
 Stimulate the local economy
 Decrease xenophobia towards the
migrant population

84. Yukpa Indigenous Community

87. Fundación Nueva Ilusión

89. Albergue Fundar 1

91. ALBERGUE FUNDAR 1

95. Providing Access to Food, Giving Hope

100. Punto de Apoyo Hermanos Caminantes Venezolanos y
Colombianos

115. Albergue Fundación Marta Duque

120. Albergue Douglas

125. Albergue Vanessa

132. Centro de Apoyo Mery

137. Objective 3
To prevent the propagation of COVID-19
through the distribution of PPE and
supplies to help protect the volunteers and
the migrant population on the Cúcuta-
Pamplona route.

139. Supporting small
entrepreneurs

147. Rotary Club of Washington DC & Rotary Foundation of Washington DC

154. Registration
Form

155. Project Impact
ALLEVIATING HUNGER - BUILDING PEACE
348,213 lbs (157,947 kgs)
Food Commodities Distributed
932,400 Hot Meals Distributed
Duration
January 2019 - May 2022

157. An efficient emergency response to the food insecurity and hunger affecting the Venezuelan
refugees, migrants in transit “caminantes” in the humanitarian route
Promotes disease prevention and hygiene during the COVID-19 global pandemic
Helps increased the capacity of the selected food distribution centers and shelters
Contributes to the local economy of the cities of Cúcuta and Pamplona through the purchase of
locally produced products
Our efforts build peace through cooperation, one refugee at a time.
Our Project Presents:

158. Our coordinated efforts help strengthen partnerships, formulate and
unify strategies, and raise awareness about the need for a more
comprehensive and sustainable response to the Venezuelan crisis:
the largest exodus in the history of Latin America, which affects
many countries and millions of people.
According to Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(Article 25) access to food is a fundamental
human right.
Today, access to food is the main priority in the
Venezuelan humanitarian crisis.

159. Join our campaign and help us alleviate hunger and bring hope to Venezuelan refugees
US$0.65 will provide
 bowl of chicken and vegetable soup, with
 arepa (Venezuelan traditional corn bread)
 warm high calorie drink
To donate visit
https://united4changecenter.kindful.com/?campaign=1122312
For more information, please contact:
Cristal Montañéz Baylor
Hope For Venezuelan Refugees Project International Coordinador
cristalmontanezvenezuela@gmail.com
+1 (713) 483 4990

160. Thank You!!
Gracias

161. Responding to the Refugee and Displacement Crisis:
REFUGEES, FORCIBLY DISPLACED AND
MIGRANTS: THE NEW, STUCK AND INCREASING
Rick Olson
Prior Lake, MN Rotary Club
7 June 2022

163. “Last year, despite the pandemic’s
brake on migration, 1.4m people sought
protection outside their home countries;
nearly 10m were forcibly displaced
within them. That brought the total
number of forcibly displaced people to
82.4m, the highest on record. About 30m
are refugees or asylum-seekers—people
asking for refugee status. . . .
The effects of climate change may force
143m people to move by 2050, says the
World Bank.”

165. Nakivale Refugee
Settlement, established in
1958
132 miles from Kampala,
Uganda’s capital city
Refugees from the
Democratic Republic of
Congo, Burundi, Somalia,
Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea
(and others).
Run by the United Nations
High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) and
assisted by NGOs.

166. Uganda,
in which71 square
miles
Nakivale is within the
Isingiro District in
southwest there are
140,723 refugees.
Many of the 60,000
refugees who arrived
prior to 2014 have
lived there for over 20
years.
Lake Nakivale

167. Conditions for many refugees are grim, marked
by inadequate resources:
• Poor water (when they can get it)
• Poor sanitation conditions
• A shortage of food
Most are heavily, if not totally reliant, upon the
aid of the UN

168. Food:
• Refugees who arrived before 2014 receive 12
kg (24 pounds) of corn and 2 kg (4 pounds) of
beans per person per month.
• Recent arrivals receive cash assistance about
21,000 shillings (equivalent to $5.67) per
person per month for food, clothing, housing,
medical needs, etc.

169. Putting a human face of the
problem.

170. Maasai boys
from outside
a Maasai
village,
Tanzania

171. The
highlight of
my trip –
surrounded
by 18 Maasai
kids

173. For further information, please contact:
RICK OLSON
olson48178@gmail.com
Cell: +1 320-248-9933
17
3
Thank you!

174. Questions?
You can find us at our RAGRFDM Booth in
the House of Friendship.
We would love to tell you more about what
we are doing to respond to the refugee
and displacement crisis.

175. 17
5
JOIN our RAG website
is: https://www.ragforrefugees.org/
JOIN our Fellowship for Global Development
website
is: https://www.rotaryfellowshipforglobaldevelopme
nt.org/