From exile to empowerment: The Story of Chile Democrático and IRMO

In the 1980s, Chileans in exile in the UK, fleeing Pinochet’s dictatorship, came together to support each other and organise politically. In 1982, 289 delegates met at the Primer Encuentro and founded Chile Democrático–Gran Bretaña.

Key Actions:

• Built solidarity among Chilean exiles.
• Offered welfare and legal support.
• Created a democratic structure with local committees and a National Congress.
• Defended asylum seekers’ rights and challenged restrictive immigration laws.
• Women shaped welfare and solidarity programmes.

As migration patterns changed, Chile Democrático evolved into IRMO (Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation), which today supports Latin American communities through:

• Legal advice and welfare support
• Education and youth programmes
• Campaigning for migrant justice
• Specialist support for survivors of abuse and exploitation

Key Takeaway:
Migrant communities can organise themselves to meet their needs, combining solidarity, advocacy, and practical support.

Reflective Questions:

• What inspired the Chilean community to organise?
• How did they combine welfare and political work?
• How might new migrant groups apply these lessons today?

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