Call for EOIs: Protection and Inclusion Support for Displaced People (Chile)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to identify organizations that can support the protection, humanitarian assistance, and socio-economic inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other people in need of international protection in Chile. Eligible organizations may apply for one or more programme sectors covering protection, humanitarian assistance, and durable solutions to strengthen asylum systems, promote self-reliance, and improve long-term integration.

UNHCR Call for Expressions of Interest: Protection and Socio-Economic Inclusion for Refugees and Stateless People in Chile

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting qualified organizations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to become implementing partners for programmes supporting refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other people requiring international protection in Chile.

The initiative aims to strengthen national protection systems, improve access to rights and essential services, provide humanitarian assistance, and promote sustainable socio-economic inclusion through partnerships with civil society, local authorities, refugee-led organizations, and the private sector.

Program Overview

UNHCR’s partnership initiative seeks to enhance protection and long-term solutions for displaced and stateless populations living in Chile.

The programme focuses on:

Strengthening asylum and protection systems.
Improving access to legal documentation.
Expanding humanitarian assistance.
Promoting socio-economic inclusion.
Supporting durable solutions.
Strengthening social protection.
Encouraging community integration.
Enhancing cooperation with government institutions and local partners.

Organizations selected through this call will contribute to improving protection outcomes and expanding opportunities for self-reliance and long-term inclusion.

Background

Chile has become one of the principal destination countries in the Southern Cone for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people.

While the country has established a strong legal framework for international protection, many individuals continue to experience challenges such as:

Delays in asylum procedures.
Limited access to identity and legal documentation.
Barriers to obtaining legal status.
Limited employment opportunities.
Restricted access to public services.
Housing insecurity.
Limited access to social protection.
Difficulties with family reunification.

These challenges can delay integration and reduce opportunities for refugees and migrants to achieve long-term stability.

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

Strengthen refugee protection systems.
Improve access to asylum procedures.
Support legal status regularization.
Enhance humanitarian assistance.
Promote socio-economic inclusion.
Expand social protection.
Strengthen community integration.
Improve self-reliance among displaced populations.
Support voluntary return where appropriate.
Strengthen partnerships across public and private sectors.

Priority Focus Areas

Organizations may propose activities in one or more of the following areas:

Durable solutions.
Local integration.
Reintegration.
Resettlement.
Voluntary return.
Protection.
Humanitarian assistance.
Socio-economic inclusion.
Access to asylum.
Statelessness.
Legal status regularization.
Family reunification.
Social protection.
Public services.
Community inclusion.
Self-reliance.
Humanitarian admission.
Complementary pathways.

Target Beneficiaries

The programme supports:

Refugees.
Asylum seekers.
Stateless persons.
People requiring international protection.
Vulnerable migrants.
Individuals seeking legal status regularization.
Host communities benefiting from inclusive programmes.

The initiative also promotes collaboration with refugee-led organizations to strengthen community participation.

Key Activities

Selected partners may implement activities such as:

Legal counselling and representation.
Asylum support services.
Documentation assistance.
Humanitarian assistance.
Community outreach.
Livelihood and employment programmes.
Social protection referrals.
Family reunification support.
Local integration initiatives.
Capacity building for institutions.
Community engagement.
Public awareness activities.

These interventions aim to improve both immediate protection and long-term inclusion.

Strengthening Asylum and Protection Systems

The programme seeks to improve access to international protection by supporting:

Fair and efficient asylum procedures.
Statelessness determination mechanisms.
Legal status regularization.
Humanitarian admission programmes.
Complementary pathways for protection.
Legal guidance and case management.

These efforts will help ensure that people in need of protection can access their rights more effectively.

Promoting Socio-Economic Inclusion

UNHCR recognizes that many displaced people experience financial insecurity and barriers to employment.

The programme therefore supports:

Access to decent employment.
Skills development.
Economic inclusion.
Self-reliance initiatives.
Social protection systems.
Access to healthcare and education.
Community integration.
Partnerships with employers and the private sector.

These activities promote sustainable livelihoods while benefiting both displaced people and host communities.

Support for Voluntary Return

The programme also includes support for individuals considering voluntary return to their countries of origin.

Partners may assist by providing:

Accurate and impartial information.
Individual counselling.
Protection guidance.
Referral services.
Support for informed decision-making.

Voluntary return support is intended to ensure that decisions are made voluntarily, safely, and with dignity when conditions allow.

Who Can Apply?

The Call for Expressions of Interest is open to organizations with expertise in humanitarian protection and refugee assistance.

Potential applicants include:

National Non-Governmental Organizations (NNGOs).
International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs).
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Refugee-led organizations.
Community-based organizations.
Humanitarian organizations.
Development organizations.
Organizations specializing in legal aid, livelihoods, protection, or social inclusion.

Applicants should demonstrate experience relevant to the proposed intervention areas.

Eligibility Expectations

Organizations should demonstrate:

Technical expertise in refugee protection or humanitarian programming.
Strong operational and financial management capacity.
Experience working with vulnerable populations.
Effective partnerships with government institutions or local stakeholders.
Commitment to protection principles, inclusion, accountability, and human rights.

How the Partnership Works

The partnership process generally follows these steps:

Organizations submit an Expression of Interest.
Applicants may apply for one, two, or all three programme sectors.
UNHCR evaluates technical expertise, operational capacity, and sector experience.
Selected organizations become implementing partners for relevant programme activities.
Partners collaborate with UNHCR, government agencies, local authorities, refugee-led organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As displacement in the Southern Cone continues to evolve, stronger partnerships are essential for ensuring protection and long-term inclusion.

This initiative helps to:

Improve asylum systems.
Expand humanitarian assistance.
Strengthen legal protection.
Promote self-reliance.
Increase access to employment and social services.
Support voluntary return where appropriate.
Strengthen community cohesion.
Improve the long-term wellbeing of displaced populations.

The programme contributes to more inclusive communities while reinforcing Chile’s protection framework.

Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest

Organizations can strengthen their application by:

Demonstrating expertise in refugee protection and humanitarian assistance.
Highlighting successful integration or livelihoods programmes.
Showing partnerships with local authorities or refugee-led organizations.
Demonstrating strong financial and operational capacity.
Presenting practical approaches for community inclusion.
Explaining experience with asylum or legal assistance programmes.
Showing measurable programme results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Submitting incomplete organizational information.
Providing limited evidence of relevant technical expertise.
Failing to identify the programme sectors being applied for.
Not demonstrating operational capacity.
Presenting unclear implementation approaches.
Overlooking partnerships with local stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this UNHCR Call for Expressions of Interest?

The initiative seeks qualified organizations to support protection, humanitarian assistance, and socio-economic inclusion for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other people requiring international protection in Chile.

Who can apply?

National and international NGOs, civil society organizations, refugee-led organizations, community-based organizations, and other qualified entities with relevant humanitarian and protection experience are encouraged to apply.

What are the main focus areas?

The programme covers durable solutions, protection, humanitarian assistance, asylum access, legal status regularization, statelessness, family reunification, social protection, livelihoods, self-reliance, and community inclusion.

Who will benefit from the programme?

The initiative supports refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, vulnerable migrants, people requiring international protection, and host communities through strengthened protection systems and inclusive services.

Can organizations apply for more than one sector?

Yes. Organizations may submit Expressions of Interest for one, two, or all three sectors covered by the call, depending on their expertise and operational capacity.

How does the programme support voluntary return?

The initiative provides accurate information, counselling, and guidance to help individuals make informed, voluntary, safe, and dignified decisions about returning to their countries of origin when conditions permit.

Why is this programme important?

The programme strengthens asylum systems, improves legal protection, expands humanitarian assistance, promotes socio-economic inclusion, and helps refugees and stateless persons achieve long-term self-reliance while supporting stronger cooperation between government institutions, civil society, and host communities.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Call for Expressions of Interest for Chile offers a valuable opportunity for experienced organizations to strengthen protection systems, expand humanitarian assistance, and promote sustainable inclusion for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other people in need of international protection. Through partnerships focused on legal protection, livelihoods, social inclusion, and durable solutions, the initiative aims to improve access to rights, enhance self-reliance, and build more inclusive communities across Chile.