Recommendations for Central American Displacement and Migration Projects

The current decade has seen more people than ever, from dozens of nations, making the journey through Central America towards the USA. Driven by endemic poverty, security issues and climate change, many of these individuals and families embark on this journey to seek a new life in one of the richest countries in the world. The route often involves crossing numerous borders where laws, health challenges and limited resources can halt the caravan, leaving host countries with the responsibility of providing shelter, food and water, and WASH facilities to thousands of migrants.

Synthesised from a review of nine alerts and their subsequent awarded projects, the following recommendations reflect the learnings and advice of CADENA, World Vision and Oxfam in relation to crises of migration and displacement in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama. It is intended to act as a guidance document for organisations facing these kinds of crises, through the provision of simplified recommendations founded on evidence and learning.

Key Recommendations: 

  1. Cooperation and Collaboration are Key- The findings from all nine alerts stressed the importance of cooperation in the pre-project, delivery, and post-project stages.
  2. Anticipate - With migrant caravans often transiting through numerous countries on their way to the USA, organisations should have time to prepare for their arrival, using previous experiences and coordination with other agencies to inform their actions.
  3. Adopt a Human-Centred Approach - Agencies highlighted the importance of balancing life-saving activities with ones that prioritise dignity and psychological support.
  4. Prioritise Vulnerable Individuals - Migrant populations are often extremely vulnerable, being at high risk of exploitation, violence and environmental hazards. Within the wider group, there are subsections who are more at risk such as children, disabled individuals, women, older people and LGBTQI+ individuals. 
  5. Disseminate Accurate and Accessible Information - Information needs to be available to migrants in formats that are inclusive and reliable, utilising verbal and visual formats.