Chile – IOM Chile is currently participating in Chile’s most important cultural events, the International Book Fair in Santiago, Chile. Running from 20 October until 6 November in Santiago’s Mapocho Station Cultural Centre, the fair is expected to be attended by more than 140,000 people from countries around the world.

The book fair, now in its 36th year, takes place annually in Santiago, and is widely considered to be one of the most important events in Chile’s cultural calendar. It is dedicated to promoting the free circulation of ideas, as well as an appreciation of books and reading.

IOM Chile, along with a number of other UN agencies based in Chile, has a stand at the event, which is spreading awareness of the multifaceted work carried out by organisation, and helping attendees appreciate the range of areas in which IOM works. 

Amongst other areas, IOM Chile is presenting the benefits of its programme supporting professionals who travel to study. The programme provides excellent support for travel costs and travel planning through its agreements with major global airlines.

According to Norbert Girón, IOM Chile Chief of Mission “We are extremely happy to be able to share our work with the public here at the International Book Fair.  Very few people are aware of the range of areas where IOM works, so this a great opportunity for us to share our programmes and projects with the public.” 

Girón added “Our organisation works on a number of issues that are very hot topics here in Chile and elsewhere at the moment, including the rights of migrants and the obligations of states towards migrants, including refugees.”

He added that IOM Chile’s participation in the fair also allows the mission to contribute to shaping public discourse on migrants and migration, ensuring their positive narratives are also emphasised.

For further information, please contact Sebastián Mathews at IOM Chile, Tel: +56 02 9633710, Email: iomsantiagopress@iom.int