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 2 of 112 pages.
-
The State of Migration management in Central America: An Applied Research, Final Report
Jun 2002 ... 1 The State of Migration Management in Central America: An Applied Research Final Report June 2002 2 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 5 PROJECT OVERVIEW 7 OUTCOMES 8 ACTIVITIES 9 STATE OF AFFAIRS AND ...... -
Central America and Mexico reaffirm commitment to address the needs of displaced people in the region
13 Dec 2022 ... and respond to forced displacement; and mobilising economic, technical and material resources to support more than 1.3 million people in Central America and Mexico who have been forced to flee. ...... -
My face, their stories: Testimonials
... business leaders, academics, actors and others who have helped us collect and tell the stories of just a few of the hundreds of thousands of people who have been forcibly displaced in Central America. ...... -
UNHCR Global Report 2005 - Central America and Mexico Regional Overview
1 Jun 2006 ... Central America and Mexico Belize El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Major developments T he countries of Central America and Mexico con- tinued to receive a small but steady flow of ...... -
UNHCR Global Appeal 2003 - Central America and Mexico Regional Overview
1 Dec 2002 ... The number rose from 3,900 towards the end of 2001, to 6,640 at the end of June 2002. During the first six months Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Central America and ...... -
UNHCR Global Report 2001 - Central America and Mexico Regional Overview
1 Jun 2002 ... However, in 2001 few Guatemalans took the well-trodden path into Mexico (28 persons were registered and recognised as refugees by the Government of Central America and Mexico 75190 The Americas 13/06/...... -
UNHCR Global Report 2002 - Central America and Mexico Regional Overview
1 Jun 2003 ... Major developments The restrictive migratory measures implemented after 11 September 2001 continued to affect Central America and Mexico in 2002. In Costa Rica and El Salvador, visa restrictions were ...... -
UNHCR Global Appeal 2006 - Central America and Mexico Regional Overview
1 Dec 2005 ... Central America and Mexico Belize El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Recent developments T he number of refugees and asylum-seekers in Central America and Mexico remains low with a total ...... -
UNHCR Global Appeal 2004 - Central America and Mexico Regional Overview
1 Dec 2003 ... In 2004, UNHCR will emphasis the obligations of States under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Central America and Mexico Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua ......