Americas: Regional cooperation is important to address forced migration and displacement
UNHCR Have renewed call for a coordinated continental approach on this issue, as has already been emphasized while ministerial meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, held in Guatemala on Tuesday.
New approach
This landmark declaration aims to change the way the region manages migration and is based on the principles of solidarity, shared responsibility, international cooperation and respect for human rights.
It was launched at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California in June 2022 and has been endorsed by 22 countries. Statement of compliance Global Compact on Refugeesadopted by United Nations member states in 2018.
Speaking at the ministerial meeting, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted the personal stories and difficult circumstances of hundreds of thousands of people who made long journeys across the Americas in search of a better life.
Among them were people he met in time recent visit to the dangerous Darién border area between Panama and Colombia. Nearly 470,000 refugees and migrants made the dangerous journey there in 2023 alone, according to UNHCR, with hundreds dying along the way.
Progress and challenges
Mr. Grandi emphasized the significant progress achieved through various initiatives aimed at addressing the urgent needs of refugees and migrants in the region and implementing the objectives of the Declaration, while calls for increased efforts and coordination among all stakeholders.
Various initiatives launched under the Los Angeles Declaration aimed to build national capacity and provide safety and opportunity for displaced people and those on the move.
Regularization has benefited millions of peopleUNHCR said there are also other efforts such as providing humanitarian assistance, strengthening the asylum system, greater socio-economic integration and scaling up resettlement and other legal pathways. for migration.
Yet challenges persist, requiring persistent efforts and innovative solutions to address the needs of more than 23 million people displaced or in need of international protection in the Americas.
The issues are broader than the Darién Gap
“Darién is only part of the picture, and the profound human tragedy it reflects will only increase unless we redouble our efforts to address the underlying causes of displacement, consider protection needs and prioritize solutions,” Mr. Grandi said.
He called for greater investment to build the capacity of host communities and opportunities for displaced people in countries of origin, transit, destination and repatriation.
UNHCR said it will continue to work with various stakeholders to strengthen international protection and refugee policies, promote inclusion and integration efforts, and expand resettlement and pathways other legalities, while providing support to the host community.
Declaration port
In related developments, the United Nations migration agency IOM Provide technical support for the establishment New Los Angeles Statement websitepresented at the Ministerial meeting.
This website is available in English and Spanish and provides access to the Declaration as well as additional resources, tools and educational materials on migration in the region.
