The IOM Moscow Times International Organization for Migration Moscow, Russia Issue 4, September 2005 12, 2-aya Zvenigorodskaya, 123100, Moscow Tel 7 (095) 797-87-22 Fax 7 (095) 253-35-22 [email protected], www.iom.int

INSIDE THE ISSUE: represented by 30 representatives while the entire number of participants from CIS and Western countries exceeded 90 individuals. • Joint Consultations On Migration Based on the conclusions of the conference and recommendations of • Migration Should Be Encouraged But Properly the participating states IOM is in the process of developing the Road Managed Map, a document, that will not only reflect current situation in the field • Voluntary Return Of Illegal Migrants – An of migration in the Eurasian region but also provide findings for Alternative To Deportation mutual decisions in migration management. • Free Movement, secure Borders: Analyzing The The Joint Consultations was well-covered by Russian and foreign Facilitated Transit Scheme Between The mass media and IOM’s initiatives in the region drew a very positive Russian Federation And Lithuania response from the Russian Government.

• IOM Information Activities • Moscow Migrant Processing and Movement • Meskhetian Turk’s Programme • Medical Assessment of Afghan Refugees in Uzbekistan • IOM Moscow Migration Research Programme (MMRP) • Assistance to Roma-Holocaust survivors • IOM Moscow and Krasnodar offices

JOINT CONSULTATIONS ON MIGRATION THE DIALOGUE AND TECHNICAL CAPACITY BUILDING IN MIGRATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL ASIA, THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, AFGHANISTAN AND

PAKISTAN JCM participants in Moscow, 22-24 August 2005

22 -24 August 2005, Moscow “MIGRATION SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED BUT PROPERLY MANAGED” IOM has concluded the EC funded “Dialogue and Technical Capacity Building in Migration Management Program for the Central Asia, the This opinion was expressed by Mark Getchell and Michael Tschanz, Russian Federation, Afghanistan and Pakistan” with the third Joint the Chiefs of their respective Missions in Moscow and Almaty of the Consultations on Migration that took place in Moscow on 22-24 International Organization for Migration during the working meeting August 2005. Concerns in Eastern Europe and Central Asia on how with the boarder guards and law enforcement officials of Kazakhstan best to plan and manage labour migration against a backdrop of and the Russian Federation. The partners of the project discussed growing irregular migration, counter trafficking initiative, security the results of the Programme dealing with the management of worries and increasingly diversified migration flows were among the migration issues in the countries of Central Asia, Russia, Afghanistan key discussions held by representatives of European and Asian and Pakistan. The over-arching project of which this activity was a states during this three day long event. part is entitled “Dialogue and Technical Capacity Buildingin Migration The level and number of participants reflect the importance of Management in the Countries of Central Asia, the Russian discussed topics. The Russian Federation in particular was Federation, Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 1 Vladimir Tsarev, Head of the Migration Office of GUVD (Central Department of Internal Affairs) in the Astrakhan oblast, during the discussions on the migration situation in the oblast and on the results of this IOM Programme in the Astrakhan oblast. The project saw the introduction of a radio communication system that now facilitates operational interaction of the Russian units and departments of the border and immigration control at the project site. The project also helped enhance and modernize the technical equipment used for document control on trains and at the Karauzek check point for vehicles. The joint working group composed of representatives of the Russian and Kazakh authorities as well as IOM Moscow and Almaty Missions had an opportunity to inspect the technical equipment provided by IOM and see it in action. A series of meetings and a press-conference took place in the office of the Astrakhan Oblast Administration. The participants of the meetings rated the results of the project very highly and suggested appealing to the donor countries for further funding to support similar projects in the region based on the severe need to upgrade additional border Press conference at the Governor’s Office in Astrakhan Region areas.

On the 13 – 15th of June 2005, IOM Missions of the Russian VOLUNTARY RETURN OF ILLEGAL MIGRANTS – AN Federation and Kazakhstan arranged a joint trip to the Astrakhan- Atyrau boarder area between Russia and Kazakhstan, the project ALTERNATIVE TO DEPORTATION site where the pilot project on re-enforcement of the key check points is in effect. The pilot boarder project is one of the components of the On Tuesday, 27 June IOM Moscow rendered assistance to yet above-mentioned overarching programme, funded by the European another irregular-status migrant in Russia. Martin O. (not his real Commission. Officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries name for privacy reasons) is a 27-year-old national of Ghana, who of Interior and Border Guard Services of both countries took part in was voluntarily returned to his homeland with the assistance of IOM this trip. Moscow. Martin had illegally crossed the Russian-Chinese border, The project is aimed at the creation of an effective system of was arrested and held in the Blagoveshensk detention center for immigration and border control at the Astrakhan-Atyrau border area about one year. After that he was sent to Moscow. The authorities that would expedite and streamline the procedure for legal boarder handed down the decision that he had to voluntarily depart Russia in crossing. At the same time, the project has worked to develop an the course of three days or face a prison sentence followed by effective mechanism of preventing illegal migration at those check deportation. Martin found himself in a very difficult situation – without points with some of the most intensive migration flows in Russia. documents, money or friends who could help him. He appealed for help to different organizations and finally the Moscow mosque suggested that he apply to the IOM Voluntary Return Programme . According to the Federal Migration Service of Russia, the deportation of illegal migrants is a very costly procedure. Last year only (2004), the purchase of tickets for 90 thousand migrants that were deported from Russia amounted to 54 million rubles out of the government’s budget. In addition, such irregular-status migrants appeared to be in very vulnerable situations in the deportation centers or on the streets without any documents or means of subsistence. Beginning from summer 2004, IOM Moscow started the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) component of the of the EC-funded project entitled “Dialogue and Technical Capacity Building in Migration Management in the countries of Central Asia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.” The first step in the implementation of these activities was the establishment of working contacts with the representatives of the concerned ministries – Ministry of Interior, Federal Migration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Border Checking migrants at the Border Check Point Karauzek (Astrakhan Guard Service. As a result of a common accord, a joint plan of Region) activities was developed. Working contacts were also established More then 350 thousand foreign nationals arrived in the Astrakhan with non-governmental organizations and regional offices of the oblast last year. While 35 thousand of this number was registered in migration service. the oblast, some 15 thousand stayed illegally while the rest transited As of 01July2005, participating IOM Missions have already provided to other areas of the country. It is estimated that 96% of the migrants assistance and return home for more than 100 migrants from are nationals from Central Asia. These figures were provided by countries participating in the Program. Out of this number IOM

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 2 Moscow assisted 43 migrants from Ukraine, Moldova, Azerbaijan, analyze existing problems, provide practical recommendations (on Vietnam, China, Yemen, Syria and Ghana to return home. The operational level, leaving politics out). Along with other activities the Program foresees the direct assistance to vulnerable migrants and project includes the research conducted by IOM Moscow staff includes: a) provision of information on the availability of voluntary member who implemented the travel to Kaliningrad by train aiming to return assistance; b) securing necessary travel documentation undergo all the necessary procedures and see the process from the through relevant consular authorities; c) return transportation point of view of ordinary passengers. This report will be used for the arrangements; d) pre-embarkation formalities assistance; e) pre- final report of the project. departure medical screening ensuring fit-for-travel status and f) travel allowance or small reintegration grant.

Buying train tickets to Kaliningrad

IOM INFORMATION ACTIVITIES Migrant returning home IOM Moscow is continuing to make efforts for harmonization of the The developed and tested mechanism of IOM-assisted voluntary migration management process in Russia providing reliable and return is highly efficient and unbureaucratic and stands ready to actual information which on the one hand allows migrants to better assist both migrants and the government. It will further be applied adjust themselves to new country and on the other hand supplies within the framework of other return programs, in particular VARSRP authorities with effective tools for accomplishing their duties in – “Voluntary Assisted Return and Sustainable Reintegration Program migration field. A great educational and informational work was for Sri Lankans”. At present IOM Moscow jointly with the regional carried out by IOM Moscow within B-7 CA project through conducting representation of the Federal Migration Service is considering the comprehensive public information campaign aimed at prevention possibility of assisting a Sri Lankan migrant who has been detained illegal migration. The main activities were implemented by MMRP in in the Tver region of Russia. Sverdlovsk region (and will be described below in details). The overall component included the following activities:

• Advertising campaign in mass media addressed to migrants, employers, corresponding officials and population FREE MOVEMENT, SECURE BORDERS: ANALYZING THE (newspapers, magazines, TV interview for the famous FACILITATED TRANSIT SCHEME BETWEEN THE television program “Chelovek I Zakon” on ORT, 3 Radio RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND LITHUANIA programs were organized on the local and federal radio stations);

Kaliningrad is a political and territorial subdivision, or oblast, of • Participation at public events and presentations of Russia, separated from mainland Russia by Lithuania. The necessity corresponding materials related to the project (Participation to secure easy movement opportunities for Russian citizens in in the international workshop “Labor migration in Russia: combination with providing observation of Lithuanian national situation, problems, prospective. Role of the recruiting regulations for border control resulted in the Facilitated Transit companies in the international labor exchange”, Document (FTD) scheme which was elaborated and approved by participation in the international conference in Rostov European Union and the Russian Federation. “Migration processes within the context of globalization”) Recognizing the significance of this scheme and concerned about the smooth operation of this system in the future, IOM initiated a project “Free movement, secure borders: analyzing the facilitated transit • Organization of thematic roundtables, workshops, training scheme between the Russian Federation and Lithuania” financed by elements for officials. For example, the round table the Finnish Ministry of Foreign affairs and managed by IOM office in “Informational support for managing migration processes in Lithuania. This project endeavors to assess the transit mechanism, the Russian Federation” was arranged in MoI training

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 3 center “Domodedovo” and became the key event of Turkmenistan, Romania, Ukraine) to process refugees’ cases, to educational part of the information campaign. . The round prepare the individuals of concern for DHS interviews as well as to table aimed at involvement of the representatives of field assist at the interviews officers of MoI dealing with labor migrants into the discussion on the actual problems of the migration management including providing migrants with relevant MESKHETIAN TURK PROGRAMME information, protection of migrant rights etc. The participants of the round table also actively discussed such The temporary IOM office in Krasnodar continues to successfully important topics as tolerance towards migrants, issues implement the voluntary resettlement program for Meskhetian Turks related to the struggle against trafficking in human beings. accepted to live in the USA. By the end of August 2005, 7439 On the basis of these materials, MoI will develop the families applied for the participation in the programme. 6280 families manual for educational institutions of MoI “MoI activities were approved by IOM as per the programme criteria, and DHS had towards protection of rights of labor migrants on the approved 3162 families (a total of 9530 individuals) for refugee territory of the Russian Federation”. status. 1611 families (4929 individuals) are processing their exit permission for departure to the USA.

IOM information materials

IOM processes Meskhetian Turks in Krasnodar MOSCOW MIGRANT PROCESSING AND MOVEMENTS

For the period from 1st September 2004 to the end of August 2005, IOM Moscow presented 8344 cases/23821 individuals for status MEDICAL ASSESSMENT OF AFGHAN REFUGEES IN determination to the Department of Homeland Security’s office in UZBEKISTAN Moscow. At the request of the Canadian Embassy in Moscow and the Regional Medical Attache, two IOM Moscow medical teams were IOM staff continued to create and manage new cases. For the period dispatched to Uzbekistan to examine Afghan refugees selected for from 1st September 2004 till end of August 2005, 7655 cases / 20464 resettlement in Canada from May 10 to June 01, 2005. This work individuals were processed. was carried out by Doctors D. Koulikov, E. Kislyakova, T. Baldanova, IOM Moscow and other FSU offices assisted in the departure of 4067 radiologist Yachmenev, psychiatrist Borisova and medical cases/11021 individuals. administrators S. Soboleva and E. Dobrokhotova. IOM staff benefited greatly from the efficient arrangements and IOM Moscow staff conducts from one to three days lectures on assistance of Nicolas Drouin, the second Secretary of the Canadian Cultural Orientation. The lectures contribute to better awareness of Embassy, which enabled medical examinations to be performed so the country of destination. soon after immigration interviews. All the refugees residing in Per PRM decision OPEs in Belgrade and Frankfurt were closed and Tashkent were examined on the day after their interview while those OPE Moscow is assuming their responsibilities. A total of 35 cases who arrived from Bukhara and Samarkand were examined the same were transferred to Moscow. day as their interview, allowing them to return home straight after the medical examination. During this circuit ride UNHCR transported to IOM Moscow staff traveled to many countries in Europe and the ex- Tashkent a group of Afghan refugees from the town of Termez on the USSR (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Germany, Moldova, the Netherlands, border with Afghanistan. They were examined within one day and returned home without delay. IOM staff organized transportation of

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 4 the refugees from the hotel where they were interviewed to the The situation is further aggravated by the lack of reliable and Diagnostic Centre where the medical examinations were performed. accurate information about migration processes in Russia and the The presence of the IOM radiologist, Dr. Yachmenev, allowed IOM lack of awareness on the part of the Russian public on the actual Doctors immediate access to pathology data in the process of state of affairs in this field. This situation only fosters the rapid medical exams which eliminated the need for an extra trip for the development of myths and false stereotypes. refugees for additional medical examination or follow-up. The follow- These problems were highlighted by MMRP in a pilot research up exam was done right after the exam by other diagnostic methods project «Labour Migration to Russia in the Context of the New or on the basis of the local TB dispensary. The end result of this State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation and Burst of efficient process was the elimination of medical hold cases except for Terrorism: Tolerance Problems, Rights of Migrants and State suspected TB cases. Management (the case of Saratov, Chelyabinsk and Rostov-on- In keeping with the religious and cultural norms of this Muslim the Don regions of the Russian Federation)». This project was caseload, IOM Moscow provided both male and female doctors to implemented in November-December 2004 with the financial support carry out medical exams according to gender. of the ODIHR OSCE. On the weekends Dr. Koulikov went to Khojent of Tajikistan to This project aimed to examine the present situation in three regions complete med exam of refugees previously examined in January who of Russia – Saratov, Rostov and Chelyabinsk- with regard to labour had now completed the course of treatment for TB. migration to Russia, its legal and illegal components, level of In the course of seventeen days, the IOM Moscow Medical Unit staff tolerance of host community towards migrants, mass media impact examined 520 refugees in Tashkent. Most of the caseload was on the tolerance level, rights of working migrants, issues related to composed of family groups each having from 3-9 young children. integration of migrants into the host society, official and non-official institutions acting in the field of migration after the 2004 administrative reform in the RF. The project also evaluated the effectiveness of the new migration legislation and its implementation in practice in the area of countering irregular migration to Russia, the trends in migration policy in the wake of an increased number of terrorist attacks in Russia in 2004, and sought to suggest ways of enlarging the legitimate basis of labour migration while limiting its unofficial, illegal and criminal channels and relations which lead to spreading of unlawful practices in the migration field such as trafficking in human beings. The issues related to any possible programme of immigration amnesty were also covered. (The concept of this programme is now under development in Russia, and the IOM MMRP Research Coordinator is a member of the Working Group commissioned by the Russian Government to draft this programme. See related article.) In the course of the project, interviews were conducted with 300 labour migrants, 600 representatives of host communities and 30

IOM’s Dr. Koulikov and a young Afghani refugee from Tashkent experts (officials, NGOs, academicians). Project findings were reflected in a report (ready to publication) that also included concrete policy recommendations. The findings of the surveys were presented by MMRP staff and debated at a workshop for migration officials, IOM MOSCOW MIGRATION RESEARCH PROGRAMME partners and other migration experts that took place on 4-5 February 2005 in the city of Ekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk oblast). (MMRP)

Research Project Consultative Assistance to the RF Government The problem of tolerance towards migrants is one of the most acute and vital migration issues now facing Russia. There has been a rapid The IOM MMRP Research coordinator took an active part in the work transformation of the migration situation since the collapse of the of a special Working Group on drafting the concept of the immigration “Iron Curtain”. Migration flows as well as differences in the amnesty in the Russian Federation. reproductive processes typical of Russians and other ethnic groups has led to a noticeable change in the ethnic makeup of the population At the moment, Russia faces a vital issue on the regularization of in a number of Russia’s regions and cities. The resulting increased irregular labour migrants’ status and the implementation of the state visibility of ethnic minority groups has evoked a rise in anti-migrant programme on legalization (or immigration amnesty) of irregular sentiment among the public, especially in places with the largest labour migrants can be viewed as one means of solving this problem. influxes of migrants, among which are the Moscow region, Russia’s The initial idea of such a programme was reflected in the medium- Ciscaucasus, the south of the Volga area and Siberia. Terrorist term Programme of the socio-economic development of Russia for attacks in Russia in 2004 also provoked a rise in migrantophobia. 2003-2005. The RF Government subsequently authorized the

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 5 establishment of the WG in September 2004 under the In April-June 2005 MMRP has been implementing a project Plenipotentiary of the RF President on Human Rights in the RF that “Information campaign on preventing irregular migration in the addressed the goal of studying possibilities and conditions for Sverdlovsk oblast” within the framework of the B-7 project funded by implementing the legalization programme in Russia as well as the European Commission. preparing its draft concept. The WG included as well representatives of the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RF Ministry of Interior, RF The major tasks and objectives of the campaign are as follows: to Federal Migration Service, RF Federal Service on Labour and inform labour migration (predominantly, migrants from the CIS states Employment, research experts and NGOs. as a principal target group) and employers about the necessity and options for legal stay and employment in Sverdlovsk oblast; to The draft concept of the state regularization programme is now under explain their rights and obligations as well as the consequences of discussion in the RF Government illegal stay and work; to provide them with additional legal and social information; to raise the tolerance level of host community towards MMRP Research Coordinator is also a member of the inter- labour migrants. departmental Working Group on the development of the draft Concept of the RF state migration policy organized under the RF The campaign lasted from 1 May until 1 July 2005 and included the Federal Migration Service, and the three-sided Commission under following components: the Government of RF that includes governmental officials, entrepreneurs and trade unions.

MMRP Participation in Public Events

MMRP staff actively participated in migration seminars and meetings both in the RF and abroad. The MMRP Coordinator made a presentation at the meeting on external labour migration on 23 March 2005 in the Federal Migration Service with participation of Russian and international placement agencies. MMRP Research Coordinator made presentations at the following meetings: thirteenth OSCE Economic Forum “Demographic Trends, Migration and Integrating Persons belonging to National Minorities: Ensuring Security and Sustainable Development in the OSCE area” - Second Preparatory Seminar for the 13th OSCE Economic Forum “Migration from an economic, environmental and security perspective” that took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 24-25 January 2005; at the conference on the Operator of the “hot line” is answering the telephone call of a migrant problems of deported labour migrants that was organized by IOM Dushanbe and Educational Center “Multikid” on 27 January 2005 in Organization of a free anonymous “hot line” for labour migrants, Dushanbe, Tajikistan; the international Human Dimension Seminar employers and local population. The “hot line” provides information on Migration and Integration organized by the OSCE which took on the issues related to residence and employment of foreign citizens place in Warsaw from 11 to 13 May 2005; the conference “State in Sverdlovsk oblast. It works under the Migration Office of GUVD National Policy: Problems and Prospects” organized by the (Central Department of Internal Affairs) of Sverdlovsk oblast from 9 Administration of the Governor of Sverdlovsk oblast, RF State Duma A.M. until 7 P.M. seven days a week. Tel.: 219-22-91. and Academy of Security Problems (Sverdlovk branch) in Ekaterinburg on 24-26 May 2005; and at the international seminar • Conducting a sociological survey among labour migrants, “Migration Policy: Adaptation and Integration Issues” organized by employers and experts in Sverdlovk oblast in order to the Vice-Mayor of Moscow on 28 June 2005 in Moscow. define the level of legal awareness of migrants and MMRP Publishing Activities employers as well as major problems they face with. The results of the survey are planned to be used for more A book “Problem of Irregular Migration in Russia: Reality and Search detailed filling of the above informational gaps and for for Solutions (results of the sociological survey)” was published in covering them in mass media (thematic publications in January 2005. The book provides a comprehensive picture of the newspapers, TV and radio programmes). . irregular migration phenomena in Russia. The book is in Russian (with a table of contents and a summary in English) and is based on • Advertising campaign in mass media (newspapers, the large-scale research project Irregular Migration to/through magazines, TV, radio) on informing migrants, employers Russia, implemented by the MMRP in 2001—2002, in the course of and host population on the most pressing issues related to which 3,034 irregular migrants and 243 experts in 11 regions of their rights and obligations, residence, employment, Russia were interviewed. necessary paperwork, renting of apartments, etc. Conducting of an Information Campaign in Sverdlovsk Oblast • Campaign in the mass media on raising the level of tolerance among host community towards labour migrants.

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 6 • Distribution of posters that advocate the legal stay and the Krasnodar region (Contractor – ‘Interregional Roma employment in Sverdlovsk oblast (posters are placed in Association’, Volgograd). trams, trolleys and at the tram and trolley stops). - Project for the delivery of legal and winter (blankets, pillows, bed linen sets and towels) assistance to 705 needy • Dissemination of leaflets addressed to labour migrants that elderly Roma who live in Moscow, Tver and Velikiy contain principal legal information (through points of the Novgorod regions (Contractor – ‘Federal National-Cultural immigration control at the border, “Sverdlovsk Migration Russian Gypsies Autonomy’ (FNKA), Moscow). Center”, ethnic Diasporas and organizations). - Medical assistance project for 150 Roma who live in • Dissemination of leaflets addressed to employers (through Smolensk region (Contractor – ‘Fund of the social support the Migration Office of the GUVD Sverdlovsk oblast, of the population of the Smolensk region’). Passport and Visa Department, “Sverdlovsk Migration A further project for the delivery of coal to 390 Roma who live in Center” and other corresponding structures on the territory the Krasnodar region of Russia was successfully completed in of Sverdlovsk oblast). February 2005. • Dissemination of an updated brochure “Legal Guide to a Migrant in Russia” that provides a detailed description of the rules, responsibilities, obligations and rights of migrants as per the Russian legislation. The guide also describes the steps that a migrant should undertake for a legal entry, stay and work in the RF, as well as it contains the blanks of official documents and some useful advice how to react in a problem situation. The addresses of the governmental structures working in the migration area, embassies, NGOs and ethnic organizations that could be helpful for migrants are listed in the book. Due to its comprehensive and very practical character this publication is of interest as well for governmental officials working with migrants and NGOs dealing with protection of migrants’ rights. A Roma recipient of IOM humanitarian assistance in Ryazan Oblast. • Organization and conducting of a press conference (with Further, in addition to Roma beneficiaries, IOM has also been presentation by the CoM/Moscow) and a “roundtable” in working actively on the provision of various types of HSP assistance Ekaterinburg on 21 June 2005 “Information policy in the to disabled survivors of National Socialist persecution with local helm of migration in Sverdlovsk oblast” where the branches of Russian Red Cross. IOM has agreements with the: preliminary results of the project were presented. - Pskov Regional Department of the Red Cross (150 International Organization for Migration expresses its sincere disabled beneficiaries), gratitude to governmental structures of Sverdlovsk oblast for - Orel Regional Department of the Red Cross (100 disabled providing support to the project and assistance in its implementation. beneficiaries), - Belgorod Regional Department of the Red Cross (100 The results of the project will be analyzed and presented in a special report to follow. disabled beneficiaries), - Velikiy Novgorod Regional Department of the Red Cross (16 disabled beneficiaries), - Bryansk Regional Department of the Red Cross (65 disabled beneficiaries), - Voronezh Regional Department of the Red Cross (137 ASSISTANCE TO ROMA-HOLOCAUST disabled beneficiaries) and - Kaliningrad Regional Department of the Red Cross (76 SURVIVORS disabled beneficiaries). Some of the above-mentioned projects provide emergency assistance to HSP beneficiaries. Usually beneficiaries require The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues its assistance in the form of firewood and coal, payment for medical active work in the delivery of assistance to elderly needy Holocaust prescriptions and overdue utility bills, purchase of small washing survivors under its Humanitarian and Social Programmes(HSP). At machines and gas-stoves. present 4 projects for the delivery of assistance to Roma – Holocaust Since HSP beneficiaries are elderly and needy people, often single survivors are operational: and without external support, they highly appreciate HSP assistance. - Medical and legal assistance project for 200 Roma who live Some write gratifying letters to service providers. in Leningrad and Pskov regions (Contractor – public Extract from the letter, signed by 24 Roma from Pskov: ‘We, citizens organization ‘Memorial’, St Petersburg) of Pskov (Gypsy - Roma), express big cordial gratitude for you and - Project for the delivery of legal assistance and the supply of your employees for the medical assistance granted to us… We are medical and hygienic kits to 300 Roma people who live in very thankful to your organization ‘Memorial’ and are very happy that

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 7 finally there appeared such people who treat us with understanding and respect, explain everything to us and protect us.’ Extract from the letter of a disabled beneficiary from Velikiy Novgorod: ‘I cordially thank you for the received humanitarian assistance… This was for the first time. I am very grateful for the attention.’ All HSP field activities are currently scheduled to conclude by August of 2005.

IOM MOSCOW AND KRASNODAR OFFICES

IOM Moscow staffing trends 1999-2005

250 205 210

200 175 44 43 150 120 104 100 58 57 161 167 50

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 (June) Moscow staff Krasnodar staff

IOM Moscow gender ratio 2005

male 31%

female 69%

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The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 8

The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 4 9