“BRACE&PROTECT [Capacity-building and policy recommendations for vulnerable third-country nationals, seeking international protection or granted temporary protection]””

Project facts

Project promoter:
European Institute Foundation(BG)
Project Number:
BG-HOMEAFFAIRS-0019
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€180,060
Programme:

Description

The main objective is to improve the capacity of national institutions, public bodies and NGOs, working in the field of asylum and migration and those providing various services to 3rd country nationals (TCNs) seeking international protection and TCNs granted temporary protection, with a focus on vulnerable groups. As a result of balanced activities, the following results will be achieved: An analysis/analytical report developed regarding the profile of TCNs, seeking international protection and those granted temporary protection status (with a focus on vulnerable groups) in Bulgaria. Developed and approved mechanism for support and social orientation of persons and families from 3rd countries seeking international protection and TCNs with granted temporary protection status for the pilot municipalities and Burgas region. Conducted trainings for 30 participants to build competencies and capacity to work in the field of asylum and migration. Prepared and distributed information brochure for TCNs, seeking international protection or granted temporary protection; Conducted thematic information events. Increased the capacity of national institutions and NGOs working in the field of asylum and migration through training of 200 participants. Developed analysis with proposals/recommendations for further development of policy and legislation in the field of asylum and migration (with a focus on the provision of temporary protection); In addition, project management and information and publicity activities are also planned. 2 info events will be held and a website will be developed. 230 representatives of the target group are expected to be involved directly - employees of institutions and organizations working in the field of asylum and migration, 2K through the thematic events and the brochure, and through the publicity activities and measures for multiplication and sustainability, directly and indirectly – additionally some 10K persons will be also impacted.

 

 

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key challenges related to providing effective support and integration mechanisms for third-country nationals seeking international protection and those granted temporary protection in Bulgaria. The main objective was to improve coordination between national and local institutions to ensure better access to available services and resources for migrants. The project also focused on the sustainability of the support mechanisms it established. The goal was to create frameworks that would remain effective after the project''s completion, ensuring long-term assistance for migrants and refugees.

By improving coordination between various stakeholders and providing accurate and up-to-date information regarding migrants'' rights and asylum and temporary protection procedures, the project helped address challenges related to inefficiencies in communication and service delivery. The creation of sustainable support mechanisms was crucial for achieving long-term results, ensuring continuous assistance and integration of migrants into Bulgarian society. By providing informational materials and training, the project helped migrants and staff better understand the asylum processes and available protection.  In conclusion, all activities were successfully carried out, and no significant difficulties were encountered.

Аll activities were successfully carried out and no significant difficulties were noted. The project implemented various activities aimed at supporting third-country nationals, particularly in the context of asylum and migration:

  1. Expert Social Survey and Analytical Report: A social survey was conducted on the profile of third-country nationals seeking international protection, as well as those granted temporary protection in Bulgaria. This led to the development of an analytical report.

  2. Capacity Building: The project enhanced the capacity of local and regional institutions, civil society representatives, and businesses to provide adequate support to individuals and families from third countries seeking protection.             A mechanism for social orientation and support was developed and approved. Additionally, cooperation between national institutions and NGOs was strengthened.

  3. Training and Competency Building: Two training sessions were organized to build competencies and capacity in the areas of asylum and migration. Furthermore, a training for trainers on social orientation for third-country nationals seeking international protection was held.

  4. Information and Outreach: An informational brochure was created and distributed in Bulgarian, English, and Ukrainian (2000 copies). An electronic version was made available on the project website. Four thematic informational events were held in collaboration with the pilot municipalities of Primorsko and Pomorie.

  5. Needs Assessment and Training Program: A report was developed from a needs assessment and a training program was created. The project also conducted eight two-day training sessions with 205 participants.

  6. Policy Analysis: An analysis with proposals and recommendations for the further development of policies and legislation in the field of asylum and migration was developed.

  7. Project Promotion and Publicity: The project hosted an opening event to present its activities. A dedicated project website was developed with regular updates in both Bulgarian and English. A promotional banner and a set of promotional materials, including a bag, notebook, pen, and USB drive, were created. Throughout the project period, several media publications and coverage were achieved to raise awareness of the project''s objectives and outcomes. An opening event was held to present the project''s activities. A website dedicated to the project has been developed, with information in Bulgarian and English and regular updates.

The project achieved significant results and had a positive impact on various groups of beneficiaries, including third-country nationals seeking international protection, local institutions, and civil society organizations. The main results of the project are as follows: An expert social survey was conducted to profile third-country nationals seeking international protection or those granted temporary protection in Bulgaria. This survey led to the development of an analytical report that helped to better understand the needs and challenges faced by these individuals. Additionally, the project resulted in the creation of a local mechanism for support and social orientation in two municipalities with concentrated migrant communities. This mechanism addressed key challenges and provided solutions to ensure an appropriate response from local stakeholders, thus ensuring the proper reception and integration of migrants and refugees. Through various training sessions for representatives of local government, institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders, the project significantly increased the capacity to work with individuals seeking international protection. These training sessions covered a wide range of topics, including the rights of asylum seekers, providing protection for vulnerable groups such as women and girls, and effective crisis management. A training program for trainers on social orientation was also conducted, aimed at representatives from municipal and state administrations, as well as NGOs. This training established local expertise and a team capable of offering services and guidance to third-country nationals seeking asylum or those who had already received temporary protection. The project also enhanced the capacity of local and regional institutions, service providers, and civil society representatives to offer adequate support to migrants and refugees in the pilot municipalities and the Burgas Region. A mechanism for social orientation for these individuals and their families was developed and approved, assisting them in navigating the service system in Bulgaria. Through the distribution of informational brochures and the organization of thematic events, the project created cultural spaces that enabled both migrants and the host society to interact more effectively and foster mutual understanding. The sustainability of the project was further ensured by focusing on training related to temporary protection, especially for vulnerable groups. These training sessions not only enhanced the capacity of representatives from national institutions and NGOs but also contributed to the establishment of a long-term coordination mechanism in the fields of asylum and migration. Overall, the project improved cooperation between national institutions and NGOs while laying the foundation for sustainable practices and policies in the areas of asylum and migration. The developed analysis, with proposals and recommendations, will help to further enhance the regulatory framework in Bulgaria and support the development of sustainable practices at national, regional, and local levels. 

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.