Capacity Building of Return Authorities in Estonia on Third Country Nationals: Cultural Diversity, Psychological Reactions and best practices in return process (CEDR)

The CEDR project was implemented in the period from 01.07.2011 to 30.06.2012. The aim of the CEDR project was to conduct additional training and promote the best practices of other EU member states in order to promote the skills and knowledge of the Estonian authorities, especially the Police and Border Guard Board and other agencies, to carry out the processes of leaving third-country nationals.

The focus of the CEDR project was on improving the qualifications and efficiency of officials and staff involved in return. To this end, more theoretical training on cultures was provided, but also a very specific focus on cultural regions such as the Middle East, Asia and Central Africa.

The possible reactions of migrants when, for example, they are required to leave the country or are not even allowed to enter the country were further discussed with the project participants. Officials also had the opportunity to do internships in both Hungary and Austria, where the work of their colleagues was monitored and various cases were discussed. In the form of project activities, participants' understanding of cultural differences but also of the possible psychological reactions of migrants has improved.

The project was co-financed by the European Union through the European Return Fund and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia.