Corinth, Omoa.
The governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico They met today to discuss in detail the relevant issues, in particular those related to irregular migration, security, the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The authorities have visited the facilities of this border point, shared experiences and issued a statement noting that migration is a right, but they made it clear that it must be done in an orderly manner.
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Undersecretary Nelly Jerez |
Nelly Jerez, Deputy Chancellor of Migration Affairs at the Honduras Department of Foreign Relations, said border points are being reviewed in the light of calls for migration mobilization not only in Honduras, but across the region.
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“We are facing a pandemic and there is a risk of contamination and even death. All travelers must present the documents in order and negative evidence of the disease,” said Jerez.
Faced with irregular mixed migratory flows of migrants destined for the United States, the representatives of these governments have agreed on a commitment to promote and protect the human rights of all migrants, especially those populations in more vulnerable circumstances .
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data 1. 36,588 Hondurans were returned by air and land in 2020. 70% came from Mexico. 2. In 2021, 300 people have returned so far; the government is alert to calls for migrant caravans. |
In turn, they called for the migration to take place in a safe, orderly and regular manner. They also called for the promotion of dialogue and cooperation between countries of origin, transit, destination and return in order to exchange information and good practices to provide effective responses to migration issues.
In this sense they reiterated the need to establish regional alliances and strengthening joint work with the United States for the exchange of strategic information on mixed migration flows. In addition, they stressed the importance of establishing a dialogue that promotes comprehensive management of the causes and consequences of irregular and mass migration and strengthens the transnational response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The diplomats asked avoid exposure to guide unaccompanied and single girls, boys and adolescents in the dangers of irregular migration, thus anticipating their potential crime victims.
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They also warned against people who “unscrupulously” risk the lives of the most vulnerable, using them to create human barriers, endangering their lives and that of their families.
“ The current migration dynamic presents a challenge at the regional level that no country can solve on its own, so it is necessary to approach it from the principle of shared responsibility and respect for the human rights of migrants and their families, in accordance with the legal arrangements. of each of our countries and the commitments made in this area at international level, ”describes the Joint Declaration of the Northern Triangle.
Dangers on the road
Officials recognized the need to promote more information campaigns to prevent irregular migration risks and access to international protection measures, so that people receive sufficient information to make informed decisions.
At the same time, they confirmed their concerns about the exposure of these populations to high risk health and life situations, especially during the health crisis facing our region as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Diplomats recommended to migrants respect immigration controls and health protocols established by the countries for people’s access, including the health tests previously required to maintain health security.
Finally, they reiterated their commitment to serve, assist and protect transit, destination and return nationals and to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration through cooperative mechanisms that provide comprehensive answers.