Through the support of the Swiss Secretariat for Migration (SEM), refugees and other persons from the mixed migration movement have the opportunity to be formally employed, build their capacities and utilise their expertise in helping the most vulnerable individuals. One of these great people is Jafar, the CRPC’s Cultural Mediator (CM). Jafar has been in Serbia since 2016. A recognised refugee, he is dedicated to helping people fleeing war and other types of conflict, persecution, survivors of trafficking in human beings and other types of exploitation and various human rights violations.  He comes from Iran and speaks Farsi, Kurdish, Serbian and English.

Through his work at the CRPC, Jafar has aided many people in need of protection. In order to commemorate the World Refugee Day 2021, the CRPG provided him with support in preparation of this important day. Not only did Jafar co-host the event organised by UNHCR Serbia, but he also translated and interpreted for nine actresses from the Krnjaca Asylum Centre, women and girls who presented a theatre play they had prepared on the same occasion.

Probably the best indicator of our entire work is the statement made by Jafar, our CM engaged though the SEM project - ‘I feel safe and not alone during these tough times in my life.’

The new project cycle supported by SEM focuses on direct support to persons in mixed migration movement and main service providers. This is done through cultural mediation and orientation, and roundtables with participants from various local communities. These activities raise awareness of the hardships endured by persons in mixed migration. Bottom-line, this should help to strengthen their resilience and create an inclusive environment that supports better integration options, especially in the hard times of COVID-19 pandemic.