El Salvador - IOM has handed over equipment to El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen its call center operation, which last year assisted approximately 267,000 Salvadoreans living abroad.

The USD 14,000 donation  includes call center software, computers, headsets, office equipment and training materials on migrant rights.

The donation is part of IOM’s USAID-funded project: Comprehensive Assistance to Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Families Returning to the Northern Triangle of Central America.

It will help El Salvador to improve consular assistance; respond to allegations of human rights violations; inform people about the risks of irregular migration; provide legal assistance; assist with reintegration; and check on the quality of services provided at Salvadorean embassies and consulates abroad.

According to El Salvador’s Foreign Ministry, a total of 267,694 calls were received in 2015. Some 118,361 involved  humanitarian needs. Another 138,676 related to consular services. Most of the calls originated in the United States.

The call center numbers are: 2231-2950 for El Salvador, 1-888-30-111-30 for the United States and 1-800-747-6117 for Mexico.

For further information, please contact Alba Miriam Amaya at IOM El Salvador, Tel. +503 2521-0500, Email: aamaya@iom.int