The role of the language and cultural mediators is crucial to facilitate the understanding and communication between people with different cultural backgrounds, in particular for the cases of most vulnerability, as is the case with those who survived gender-based violence. For this reason the UN agencies IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF are offering an online course for language and cultural mediators who work on the front lines.

Also read: Women suffering from gender-based violence can qualify for refugee status, says EU court of justice

Online program to support gender-based violence survivors

The e-learning training program "Supporting people who survived gender-based violence: the role of language and cultural mediators" is inspired by the training program, created by UNICEF together with the Women Refugee Commission.

According to UN agencies, the e-learning program has a two-pronged approach: one part aims to provide mediators with practical competencies and deeper knowledge. The first module focuses on the importance of mediation and the role mediators play in the humanitarian field, in cooperation with various professional profiles. The second module addresses specific work modalities to support survivors of gender-based violence.

The course underscores the importance of training for mediators, emphasizing the skills of observation and listening to improve the quality of support provided. It also highlights the necessity of connecting with available services in the area to guarantee concrete assistance to survivors of violence.

Also read: Women and children risk rape and sexual violence at all stages of EU migration

Cultural and language mediators increasingly important

"The profile of the language and cultural mediator is becoming increasingly strategic and key to provide assistance to vulnerable migrants. In particular professionals working with people who survived gender-based violence which is a particularly delicate role and requires adequate training and preparation and we are happy to provide this course on-line," noted Laurence Hart, Director of the Coordination Office of IOM for the Mediterranean.

"An increasing number of people are arriving to Italy by sea who were victims of gender-based violence, or who suffered abuse in their home country or along the migration route. Language and cultural mediators are a priceless resource for our support mission for these people", said Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative for Italy, the Holy Sea and San Marino.

"They often represent the first reassuring interface for migrants offering them not just a language bridge but also essential emotional support that contributes to the creation of an atmosphere of trust and understanding. Their ability to communicate with empathy and competence is key to guarantee that people receive the protection they need," Cardoletti said.

"Among the most difficult cases we often face those of women and young girls who survived gender-based violence, in their country of origin, during transit or when they arrive in Italy. To guarantee that their needs are met appropriately, we are present on the field with mediator profiles who are prepared to listen and provide specific support to people who show the need to receive protection and the fear of suffering violence or abuse," stressed Nicola Dell'Arciprete, the Coordinator for Italy of the UNICE office for Europe and Central Asia.

"All migrants, little girls in particular, children, adolescents, and youngsters have the right to receive information they can understand and that respects the language and cultural diversity," Dell'Arciprete added.

Also read: Gender-based violence: 1 in 3 girl migrants experience or witness abuse