Emergencies

CENTRAL AMERICA REFUGEE CRISIS

1 million

More than 1 million people have been uprooted from their homes in Central America due to violence, insecurity and persecution, mainly by criminal organizations (as of December 2022)

665K

The number of asylum-seekers and refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras worldwide has reached 665,200 (as of December 2022).

118K

Mexico ranks among the top receiving countries of asylum applications in the world, with 118,800 new asylum claims (as of December 2022).

About the Crisis in Central America

More than 1 million people were uprooted from their homes in Central America by the end of 2022 due to violence, insecurity and persecution, mainly by criminal organizations. The North of Central America (NCA) – a region comprising El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras - has some of the highest rates of violence in the world. Gang violence, political turmoil, threats, extortion, persecution and sexual violence have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of safety and a better life. Approximately 665,200 people are seeking refuge in neighboring countries and more than 318,000 are internally displaced within the region.

Asylum systems in Central America and Mexico continued to deal with an increasing number of asylum claims. Mexico ranks among the top receiving countries of asylum applications in the world, with 118,800 new asylum claims by the end of 2022.

Women, girls and LGBTQI+ individuals are victims of SGBV at incredibly high rates. Tens of thousands have fled the NCA countries in order to escape domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. Members of the LGBTI community are also subject to severe discrimination, including barriers to basic services - such as health, education and employment - and often lack legal protection.

A multi-year drought affecting the “Dry Corridor” running through Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador is causing a dramatic rise in hunger in the region. Hurricanes Eta and Iota, two of the most powerful storms to hit Central America in decades, have also displaced an estimated 1.5 million people in the region.

Violence, insecurity, fragile institutions, the impact of climate change and deep-rooted inequalities will force more people to flee, either within their own countries or across borders.

VIDEO

Gang violence is forcing people from the North of Central America to flee their homes

What is UNHCR doing to help in Central America?

The UN Refugee Agency is working closely with over 70 partners and governments in the NCA region to strengthen protection alternatives and encourage long term solutions for people forced to flee. Through the MIRPS (Regional Comprehensive Protection and Solutions Framework), UNHCR undertakes the following activities:

- Providing shelters and protection services to deliver immediate assistance to people on the move.
- Working with host countries to help coordinate response plans and establish fair and efficient refugee status determination procedures.
- Providing cash-based assistance as well as livelihoods and educational opportunities to support internally displaced people, women, children and members of the LGTBI community.
- Delivering relief efforts such as food, hygienic kits, healthcare and psychological support to refugees and displaced people during the pandemic.
- Launching campaigns, such as My face, their stories campaign to promote peace and coexistence with host communities.
- Supporting survivors of SGBV, and vulnerable women and children, with information and case worker support through mobile vans.

Facts about the Central America Refugee Crisis

A girl from Honduras stands outside of her room in Tapachula, Mexico after fleeing gang violence.

More Facts About the Central America Refugee Crisis

Unaccompanied minors make up a large portion of those seeking refuge in the North of Central America. They undertake treacherous journeys alone to avoid gang recruitment and face heightened risks of being kidnapped, trafficked, raped or killed.
As of 2021, LGBTI individuals in El Salvador, alongside women and adolescents from ages 12-29, are the most likely to be internally displaced.
In 2022, Honduras saw an increase in criminal activity and displacement. In addition, landslides, floods and road collapses affected more than 80,000 people and caused more than 20 deaths.

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Stories from the Central America Refugee Crisis

Meet three refugee college students in Mexico striving for their dreams

In Mexico, refugee students from Central and South America are taking advantage of a second chance to return to school. Meet three refugee college students now living in Mexico who are just steps away from realizing their dreams of earning a college degree.

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Former midwife delivers safety and hope to Nicaraguan refugee women

Since arriving in Costa Rica more than 50 years ago, Vicenta González has made it her mission to help local and refugee women escape abuse and make a fresh start.

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UNHCR welcomes Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection in the Americas

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the adoption of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection which pledges to promote international protection and migration in the Americas.

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Jewish Family Service, a San Diego non-profit, steps up to provide care for asylum seekers

Kate Clark, Senior Director of Immigration Services at Jewish Family Service, explains how a shelter in San Diego is providing critical protection, healthcare and legal education to asylum seekers.

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Emergencies

About the Crisis in Central America

How to Help

What is UNHCR doing to help in Central America?

Facts about the Central America Refugee Crisis

Make a Monthly Gift

Help Refugee Families

Stories from the Central America Refugee Crisis

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