U.S. announcement on Central America refugees highlights seriousness of situation, UNHCR
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan 14, 2016 (UNHCR) - The recent U.S. announcement that it will expand the refugee resettlement program to help vulnerable people fleeing deadly violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, underscores the urgent need for coordinated regional action to address the humanitarian situation, UNHCR said today.
"The U.S. initiative to resettle Central American refugees is a welcome step to help address the growing refugee crisis," said UNHCR Regional Representative in the United States, Shelly Pitterman.
The UN refugee agency reiterated its serious concern for the welfare of large numbers of people who continue to flee deadly violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras - the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA).
UNHCR is working closely with the governments of the region alongside civil society partners to enhance screening capacity to identify people forced to flee NTCA violence. The agency is also encouraging governments to introduce legal avenues for refugees to find safety to protect them from exploitation by smugglers and traffickers. In addition, UNHCR supports clear and accessible procedures for asylum-seekers and other elements of a robust asylum architecture that is central to an effective regional response.
UNHCR has issued two reports, Children on the Run and Women on the Run, demonstrating that people fleeing NTCA violence who reached the U.S. border have bona fide needs for international protection.
UNHCR recognizes that it is the prerogative of States to manage the security of their borders. However, the return of persons deemed not to be in need of international protection should take place only after their claims have been considered through due process. Moreover, any such returns must be carried out in a manner that is orderly, safe and respectful of the dignity of the individuals and families concerned. In particular, returns of unaccompanied or separated children must be based on a determination of what is in the best interests of the child.
Media Contact:
- Brian Hansford - Tel +1 202 243 7623
Related news and stories
Q&A with Mary Maker, UNHCR's newest Global Goodwill Ambassador
Despite multiple displacements, Honduran woman emerges as a pillar of her community
UN Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees calls for joint action to address shifting challenges of mixed movements in the Americas
Former 'nature beginner' is now on the front lines of the fight against climate change
A refugee is on the front lines of the fight against climate change in Guatemala.
Joint press release: International community shows solidarity with efforts to enhance protection and find solutions for people forced to flee and host communities in Central America and Mexico
Your search for « central america » matched 3746 results. Only the first 1,000 results are displayed. Displaying page 20 of 112 pages.
-
UNHCR Global Report 2017
Jun 2018 ... ... central Mediterranean and beyond, and across northern Central America, were also a growing priority, seeing UNHCR deepen its partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and others. ...... -
2019 Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (December 2018)
Dec 2018 ... ... ...... 88 Central America and Mexico Sub-Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan .. 89 Introduction - Background ...... -
"I am ready for my life to start again"
12 Jul 2019 ... With love from Central America: Panama When Ana* woke up, she thought it would just be an ordinary day. Gangs were rampant around San Salvador, but even that had begun to seem normal. She planned on ...... -
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [covering the period 1 Jan. 2000-31 Mar. 2001]
18 May 2001 ... B. Regional activities in the Americas and the Caribbean...... 50 - 58 1. South America ...... 50 - 54 2. Central America ...... -
UNHCR's Mid-Year Financial Report for 2006
5 Sep 2006 ... ... EUROPE AND THE BALTIC STATES 18 WESTERN EUROPE 19 NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 20 CENTRAL AMERICA AND MEXICO 21 NORTHERN SOUTH AMERICA 22 SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA 23 TRANSFERS FROM THE 2006 ...... -
A Practical Guide to Capacity Building as a Feature of UNHCR's Humanitarian Programmes
1 Sep 1999 ... and its impact on CB # 6 Tajikistan strengthening the judiciary in areas of return Central America # 7 Mexico capacity building by a refugee organization # 8 Guatemala strengthening the ...... -
2004 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook Country Data Sheet - Nicaragua
21 Aug 2006 ... the Caribbean Bureau (UNHCR): Other UN country groupings: Not applicable Region (UNHCR): Central America and Mexico A. REFUGEES, ASYLUM-SEEKERS AND OTHERS OF CONCERN TO UNHCR 1. Population of ...... -
2004 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook Country Data Sheet - Honduras
21 Aug 2006 ... the Caribbean Bureau (UNHCR): Other UN country groupings: Not applicable Region (UNHCR): Central America and Mexico A. REFUGEES, ASYLUM-SEEKERS AND OTHERS OF CONCERN TO UNHCR 1. Population of ...... -
2004 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook Country Data Sheet - Guatemala
21 Aug 2006 ... the Caribbean Bureau (UNHCR): Other UN country groupings: Not applicable Region (UNHCR): Central America and Mexico A. REFUGEES, ASYLUM-SEEKERS AND OTHERS OF CONCERN TO UNHCR 1. Population of ......