Americas
Americas
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Regional overview
By mid-2025, the Americas hosted over 21.8 million forcibly displaced and stateless people – 18% of the global total. Displacement continues to be driven by crises in Mexico, Central America, the Andean region, and the Caribbean, with most remaining in Latin America and the Caribbean. Internal displacement is a major concern in Colombia and Haiti.
Movements through the Darién Gap have sharply declined – from a record 520,000 crossings in 2023 to 302,000 in 2024, and fewer than 3,000 by August 2025. At the same time, returns to South American countries are rising, signaling a shift from the previous northbound trend. Asylum requests across the region remain steady or increasing.
Major protracted crises and displacement situations in the Americas
UNHCR's work in the region
UNHCR prioritizes protection and durable solutions for refugees and other displaced populations across the Americas. We respond to immediate needs by providing emergency shelter, food, medical care, and other life-saving assistance. At the same time, we work with governments and partners to strengthen asylum systems and legal stay arrangements, helping people avoid dangerous journeys and access protection.
Our approach focuses on fostering stability for host communities and promoting long-term solutions, including socioeconomic integration and expanded resettlement opportunities. We also support efforts to address root causes of displacement and counter misinformation.
UNHCR coordinates regional responses through the Interagency Platform, co-led with IOM, involving over 230 partners in 17 countries. We actively engage in frameworks such as MIRPS, the Quito Process, and Cartagena+40, which set a 10-year roadmap for protection and solutions.
Looking ahead, UNHCR will continue mobilizing resources and partnerships with States, development actors, and the private sector to advance inclusion, job creation, health, education, and housing for refugees and host communities.
The Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) and the Quito Process
UNHCR is also actively engaged in regional frameworks such as the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) and the Quito Process. As a follow-up to the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, Latin American and Caribbean countries launched the Cartagena+40 process. In 2024, this culminated in the adoption of the Chile Declaration and Plan of Action (2024-2034), creating a regional roadmap addressing protection and solutions over 10 years.
