REGIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION OF PROFILES AND REFERENCE MECHANISMS OF VULNERABLE MIGRANT POPULATION CRM- JUNE 2013 The answers to migration flows should be implemented in the context of a comprehensive approach to migration management and state protection, in addition to considering the sovereign authority of States, safeguard the fundamental human rights of migrants and refugees, including their integrity, security, dignity, and well-being. To ensure both imperatives, both national and regional measures must be established in order that each State provides regulatory and operational policies that take into account the different profiles of the people involved in migration processes.

IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION The first step towards effective protection is to identify individuals or groups of people who, by their characteristics and/or conditions, are considered vulnerable. Once identified, you can activate the protection and assistance procedures. However, it is common that people with special conditions of vulnerability are not identified as such and – therefore, not receive special treatment. On the contrary, often they are re-victimized from the indiscriminate application of procedures such as detention, rejection, return or deportation. In this context, the mechanisms to identify people profiles facilitate the care and management of migratory movements, especially large-scale arrivals, and ensure that people with special needs are quickly identified and their needs met (whether health, safety, protection, among others).

Reception Mechanisms “Reception mechanisms” are the measures taken by the host country in order to meet the immediate needs of the newcomers. These measures are provided to all persons, regardless of status, to ensure their well-being until their referral to the applicable processes and procedures.

Objectives of Reception Mechanisms Reception mechanisms in the period immediately after arrival generally have two major objectives: Addressing the psychosocial and material basic needs of all newcomers (e.g., accommodation, food, clothes and medical services); and Distinguish different categories of people, including international protection seekers and people with specific needs.

Questions for Analysis Are all relevant stakeholders participating in the appropriate coordinated necessary services as part of the reception mechanisms to address the immediate needs of all newcomers?. Has the development of open shelters with due guarantees and conditions that meet human rights standards been encouraged? Has information been provided to all newcomers, e.g., about their rights and obligations in the host country, the reception mechanisms, services available and legal options (including asylum procedures or trafficking victims protection)?. Is there respect that in cases of asylum seekers or persecuted persons consular notification is not the proper measure?

Questions for Analysis Have agreements been reached and/or standard operating procedures on the roles and responsibilities of various government, nongovernment and international agencies involved in the organization of the reception?. Have surveillance or monitoring mechanisms have been established to ensure protection-sensitive reception mechanisms?. Is there guarantee that the services provided address the immediate needs of the newcomers?. Is priority given to the arrest/ repatriation/ return / deportation over protection at reception? Is the obligation of non-return in cases of people who may be at risk if returned to their country being respected?