In the American continent there are about 20 million displaced people and the vast majority of them are housed in Latin American and Caribbean countries, so it is imperative to support those nations, said the subhead of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Kelly T. Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, recently concluded an extensive official visit to various countries of origin, transit and destination in the region, where she observed the situation of people who have had to flee, as well as the risks they they face on their travels in search of protection. She was also able to see how, once safe, many have started to rebuild their lives.
“It is important to remember that most forcibly displaced people stay in Latin America”Clemens pointed out, alluding to the media attention given to the increase in the number of migrants approaching the border with the United States.
In this sense, he added that attention should not only be paid to the countries of destination of refugees and migrants, but also it is crucial to look at the nations of origin and transit and address these complex population movements from a comprehensive regional approach and cooperation.
Violence in Central America
Clements began his mission in Central America, where he visited communities forced to live under the control of criminal gangs and met families who have fled their homes due to violence and persecution, exacerbated by extreme poverty, weather conditions and the COVID pandemic. -19. The Agency’s figures show one million displaced people in Central America.
In Honduras and Guatemala, he heard accounts of violence, extortion, recruitment and rape by gangs and other criminal groups, as well as serious gender-based violence.
He stressed that, In addition to being a country of origin and transit, Guatemala is becoming a nation of destination in which asylum applications have increased by 88%, which is why it has had to increase its reception and processing capacity with the help of UNHCR.
Asylum applications increase in Mexico
The Deputy High Commissioner was also in Mexico, which hosts an increasing number of asylum seekers and refugees. According to UN figures, this year those applications would exceed 70,000 registered in 2019, therefore, in its joint work with the country, UNHCR has expanded its integration program for these people, which includes a relocation and job placement component. From 2016 to date, this initiative has benefited some 10,000 people.
“It is the responsibility of the international community and all of us to help displaced people rebuild their lives.. The first step for all countries is to guarantee access to asylum for the people whose lives depend on it.”
In this regard, he stressed the need for a increased financial and technical support to governments and organizations who work together to provide humanitarian aid and protection to people on the move in Central America and Mexico. “This need has never been more urgent,” Clements said.
Currently seven countries of origin, transit and asylum in the region: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama, work together under the Comprehensive Regional Framework for Protection and Solutions, an initiative aimed at finding solutions led by the states.
Brazil and Panama
The High Commissioner continued her mission for Latin America in Brazil, where they currently live 623,000 refugees, asylum seekers and others who need special protection. Of that group, 459,000 come from Venezuela, although there are also people who come from other continents.
His time in Brazil included visits to Afghan refugees in Sao Paulo and Venezuelans in Roraima.
Clements was also in Panama to visit the area of the Darién, which since the beginning of the year has registered the arrival of more than 150,000 people who risk their lives crossing the dense jungle in search of protection, security and a better life.
In Panama City, he met with forcibly displaced people of different nationalities who are using their skills and talents to rebuild their lives.
At the end of his mission, Clements insisted that it is essential to continue supporting initiatives in Latin America that provide stability and solutions and that increase legal migration pathways. “AND we must not forget to address the root causes that lead to forced displacement. This means cooperation to prevent and resolve conflicts, but also urgent action to face the effects of climate change, improve governance, equality and respect for human rights”, he emphasized.
