La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre

14/01/2026

29/10/2025

La Casita’s Position on the Current Situation Between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago

La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, an organization dedicated to the integration, protection, and support of migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking populations, expresses deep concern over the potential impact that the current tensions between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago may have on migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees residing in the country. Our work focuses on ensuring the protection, dignity, and well-being of these communities in contexts of vulnerability and political tension.

Our position is grounded in the principles of human dignity, non-discrimination, international protection, and respect for the rule of law, in accordance with:
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 13 and 14).
• The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.
• The American Convention on Human Rights.
• International commitments assumed by the State of Trinidad and Tobago, including its membership in the United Nations system and cooperation with UNHCR and IOM.

We also recognize the national legal framework, including the responsibilities of the Ministry of National Security, the Children’s Authority, and obligations derived from the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, which guarantees the protection of all persons within its territory, without distinction of nationality or migration status.
The increase in diplomatic tensions between both countries must not result in a deterioration of rights or the safety of migrant families.

Our main concerns include:
• The vulnerability of women, children, and girls, who already face risk, exploitation, and social exclusion.
• The potential for deportations that constitute illegal refoulement, violating the principle of non-refoulement recognized under international law and Trinidad and Tobago’s commitments, as well as arbitrary detentions or xenophobic acts arising from the political climate.
• Systematic persecution and psychological harassment, which severely affect the mental health and emotional well-being of the migrant and refugee population...

31/07/2025

Statement for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – July 30

On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre expresses deep concern over the ongoing institutional challenges in responding to gender-based violence and potential cases of human trafficking. We would like to highlight a recent incident at the Couva Police Station, which underscores the urgent need to reinforce compliance with both national and international protection protocols.

Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory to the Palermo Protocol, which obligates the State to prevent, protect, and prosecute trafficking cases. These international commitments must be reflected in local law enforcement actions. The national police, under their institutional motto “To Protect and Serve with P.R.I.D.E.”—Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence—have a duty to uphold these principles at all times.

As part of our weekend emergency protocol, La Casita maintains a standby team prepared to contact relevant authorities and ensure timely support for victims. Unfortunately, in this instance, the response by the Couva Police Station created a serious barrier to protecting a vulnerable individual believed to be a victim of trafficking.

The young woman, along with the person who rescued or accompanied her, was advised by one of our advocates to report to the nearest police station for formal handover to the authorities. She arrived between 5:45 and 6:00 p.m. While one officer initially expressed willingness to assist, they were ultimately instructed not to intervene, claiming the case was "not their responsibility" and would be referred directly to Immigration. The station refused to secure the individual safely while coordinating with the appropriate agencies.

Such actions violate the basic first-responder protocols that all police stations must observe. Even if referral to Immigration or the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU) may be required, the station had an immediate duty to provide protection, ensuring the physical and emotional safety of the individual, as outlined in the State’s protection mandate and interagency operational guidelines.

09/06/2025

📣 Este miércoles, Espacio Público recibe a Amanda Solano, Jefa de la Oficina del ACNUR en Trinidad y Tobago, quien estará respondiendo en vivo a todas sus preguntas sobre el cierre de la oficina del ACNUR en el país.

🗣️ Si tienes dudas o inquietudes, déjalas en nuestro chat para que podamos organizarlas y abordar los aspectos más importantes de este suceso, en la voz de sus protagonistas.

🗓️ Miércoles | 2:00 p.m. | Transmisión en vivo
¡No te lo pierdas!

21/05/2025

🌿✨ La Casita Participates in National Biodiversity Planning! ✨🌿

We are proud to represent migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and vulnerable communities at the Focus Group Consultation for Trinidad and Tobago’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Development with support from UNDP and GEF.

Together with stakeholders across sectors, La Casita is contributing to a vision for sustainable development that protects our natural heritage and includes everyone—especially those often left out of the conversation.

🌍 Let's build a future that respects both people and planet.

14/05/2025

🟦 En la Casita tuvimos el honor de recibir al Sr. Ugo Blanco Representante Residente: Oficina multipaís del PNUD, Trinidad y Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao y Sint Maarten. 🤝
Durante este encuentro, tuvimos la oportunidad de presentar de cerca el trabajo que realizamos desde La Casita para apoyar, proteger e integrar a la comunidad migrante, refugiada y solicitante de asilo, especialmente a mujeres y familias.
🌱 La visita permitió compartir experiencias y desafíos en el trabajo que hacemos para garantizar los derechos y la dignidad de quienes más lo necesitan.

🟦 At La Casita, we had the honor of welcoming Mr. Ugo Blanco, Resident Representative of the UNDP Multi-Country Office for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. 🤝
During this visit, we had the opportunity to present the work we do at La Casita to support, protect, and integrate the migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking community — especially women and families.
🌱 The visit created a valuable space to share experiences and reflect on the challenges we face in ensuring the rights and dignity of those who need it most.

14/05/2025

Her Excellency María Cristina Pérez Gutiérrez, Ambassador of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago, held a meaningful meeting with Andreina Briceño, Director of La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, and Spanish psychologist Ade Navadiras, as part of the training month on trauma-informed approaches and self-care for frontline personnel and survivors of trafficking.
💬 The conversation with the Ambassador reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation, human rights-based approaches, and cultural sensitivity as pillars for building sustainable and transformative responses.

Su Excelencia María Cristina Pérez Gutiérrez, Embajadora de España en Trinidad y Tobago, sostuvo un valioso encuentro con Andreina Briceño, directora de La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, y la psicóloga española Ade Navadiras, en el marco del mes de formación sobre enfoques informados por el trauma y autocuidado, dirigido a personal de primera línea y sobrevivientes de trata.
💬 El diálogo con la Embajadora reafirma la importancia de la cooperación internacional, el enfoque de derechos humanos y la sensibilidad cultural como pilares fundamentales para construir respuestas sostenibles y transformadoras.

08/03/2025

Desde La Casita queremos reconocer su valentía, resistencia y espíritu inquebrantable. Juntas podemos construir un mundo más justo, inclusivo y equitativo para todos.
¡No estáis solas.

!From La Casita we want to recognise their courage, resilience and unwavering spirit. Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive and equitable world for all.
You are not alone!