Situation

Refugee and migrant children and adolescents in the region continue to face challenges accessing educational services and addressing various multi-sectoral needs to mitigate learning gaps. The RMNA 2023 highlighted that the main obstacles to access schools and maintain retention are the widespread lack of regular status and documentation of refugees and migrants. Another important challenge that affected school attendance in various R4V countries was families’ lack of financial means to afford tuition fees (where applicable) and essential school supplies that are not covered by host countries, such as materials, transportation, and uniforms. In countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, the shortage of available enrolment slots also constituted an important challenge for access to education for refugees and migrants. Language barriers often impede Spanish speaking refugee and migrant children’s access and/or effective attendance in countries such as Brazil, Aruba, Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. The Trinidad and Tobago government identified 170 Venezuelan students for a pilot program through which it is envisaged that they will be granted access to education in the course of 2024.

Despite various challenges, 2023 also saw some improvements in the field of refugees’ and migrants’ access to education. For example, enrolment of Venezuelan refugee and migrant children in schools in Colombia increased from approximately 488.5K (2022) to 606.5K (2023), with Venezuelan children representing 6% of all children enrolled nationally.

Response

Efforts of R4V education partners supported refugee and migrant children in meeting their educational needs, reaching some 202K people across the region in 2023, accounting for 28.2% of the Sector’s target population.

To enhance access to education for refugee and migrant children, R4V partners conducted a number of activities in 2023, including direct assistance, capacity development, advocacy, and support to governments in the implementation of national education policies inclusive of refugees and migrants. Partners also addressed barriers preventing school attendance, such as lack of financial means to cover costs linked to enrolment and essential supplies, by distributing cash and voucher assistance (CVA), education materials and school uniforms. Additionally, partner initiatives included efforts to identify out-of-school children, as seen in Brazil and Ecuador. Furthermore, collaborative efforts with the Ministries of Education included joint communication campaigns (Peru), provision of educational materials (Colombia), establishment of a special working group (Bolivia) and joint workshops (Chile) aimed at integrating refugee and migrant children into the education system.

To ensure permanence in the educational system, the Education Sector conducted academic leveling activities in Ecuador. Initiatives promoting equality and preventing xenophobia included trainings of school personnel in Peru on xenophobia prevention and intercultural approaches to encourage school retention in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

In the Caribbean sub-region, educational initiatives included language support and after-school classes tailored for Venezuelan refugee and migrant children in Aruba, Curaçao, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Moreover, indigenous children in Guyana received English language classes pending their school enrolment. Alternative education was also provided for those without access to national education systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

Partners also supported inclusive education policies across various countries. For example, in Ecuador, R4V partners supported the application of Ministerial Agreement 26 A and Active Search programs, which included supporting communication campaigns for refugees and migrants, as well as assistance to individual cases of children in their enrolment in schools.

Finally, education partners also reached some 2.3K teachers through the online course “Creando Aula”, aiming to enhance the continuation of education in contexts of emergency situations. Linked to the increasing number of refugee and migrant children in-transit, the “Education without limits: I learn here or there” campaign raised awareness about the educational crisis experienced by these children.

Lessons Learned

In 2023, several challenges were identified both regionally and nationally. For example, the limited alignment between the regulatory frameworks of the countries in the region concerning access to and permanence of educational services. While important steps were taken through initiatives like the Convenio Andrés Bello (CAB) equivalency table, the various country-specific documentary requirements remain a challenge for the recognition of and access to learning.

Another challenge was the implementation of public policies at the local level, as often a new federal policy do not automatically result in the elimination of educational barriers. For this reason, the Education Sector will continue to focus on supporting governments, also at the local level to ensure federal policies and laws translate into increased access to education for refugee and migrant children in the entire country, particularly in remote areas. 

Situation

The food security of refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) represents a significant challenge, both for those in-destination and in-transit. According to the RMNA, 3.18 million refugees and migrants in-destination were affected by food insecurity in 2023. The drivers of this food insecurity are often the same that drive population movements, including inequality, structural poverty, economic shocks, price increases, and extreme climate hazard events. Insecurity and violence can also push people to catastrophic levels of food insecurity.

Furthermore, as mentioned in the RMNA, refugees and migrants face heightened food security challenges when they are in-transit, staying in temporary shelters, or in households with pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age. For example, in Colombia, an estimated 83.2% of the population in-transit faced challenges accessing food. According to an R4V partner report,  85% of refugees and migrants in-transit through Central America and Mexico faced difficulties covering their food needs and resorted to negative coping strategies in order to access food. Such negative coping strategies included skipping meals, eating less, or going whole days without food.

Response

In 2023, 114 partners implemented food assistance activities across 16 countries in LAC, including through the distribution of food kits, hot meals, and cash transfers and vouchers to facilitate food security. The use of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) for the provision of food security support declined from 53.1% in 2022 to 39.8% in 2023 and reflects altered and increased in-kind assistance needs of refugees and migrants in-transit. In 2023, R4V partners reached 1.2 million people in need, including refugees and migrants and affected host communities.

Food Security partners distributed in-kind food kits to refugees and migrants in-transit, as well as hot meals through community kitchens. Response strategies also included dissemination of key messages related to nutrition, protection, and life skills.

The close to 40% of the Sector’s assistance that was provided through CVA assistance aimed to address the immediate and short-term food security needs of refugees and migrants, particularly those able to access local markets. With a view to strengthening the Sector’s commitment to operationalizing the Humanitarian-Development Nexus, immediate emergency assistance was linked with sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance socio-economic integration in urban and rural areas.

Sector partners also provided support to public institutions through the enhancement of basic infrastructure, such as community kitchens, and equipment to deliver better food security services.

Lessons Learned

Due to fluctuating movement patterns of the in-transit population and changing needs of in-destination populations, the Sector aims to increase the use of CVA in 2024, thereby facilitating the flexibility and autonomy of beneficiaries, while improving nutritional and food security outputs of refugees and migrants. The Sector will also bolster cross-sectoral coordination, particularly with Integration and Protection sectors, to increase the overall impact and socio-economic integration and to strengthen national social protection systems and the inclusion of refugees and migrants, as part of an inclusive integration strategy in host countries.

Situation

The health of refugees and migrants in-transit and in-destination, and that of affected host communities, were a concern in 2023. While some countries in the region made progress integrating refugees and migrants into their national health systems, and others (such as Brazil, Costa Rica and Ecuador) provide universal healthcare for all, refugees and migrants across the region continue encountering barriers in accessing comprehensive health services. As noted in the RMNA 2023, these challenges include lack of health insurance, difficulties in covering the costs of medical services, administrative, linguistic, and cultural barriers, as well as being in an irregular situation and a fear of rejection.

Changes in the movement dynamics, with increased in-transit populations often involving entire families, women, children, and older adults, highlight the need for further specialized health services in rural and semi-urban areas, including sexual and reproductive health, maternal and neonatal care, family planning and contraception, diagnosis and treatment for chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and hypertension, specialized mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS).

As the aforementioned and increase in onward and transit movements regularly imply the use of dangerous journeys, with significant exposure to abuse and exploitation, a greater focus on mental and physical health situations has been identified by R4V partners. In the same context, reports of sexual violence underscored a prevalent and underreported reality along transit routes. 

Response

R4V Health Sector partners across the region provided healthcare assistance to 707.6K people, including refugees, migrants, and affected host communities, reaching 36% of their target population in 2023. A total of 12,986 health activities were carried out by 65 appealing organizations and 176 implementing partners, with the Sector receiving a total financing of USD 31.62 million, representing 16,8% of its requirements.

Health Sector partners prioritized the provision of direct health assistance to refugees and migrants, including primary health, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), MHPSS, and maternal health services. Partners also contributed to strengthening public health systems, such as in Ecuador, where they supported regular vaccination campaigns for children.

Health partners also assisted in improving healthcare facilities, through medical equipment, personal protective equipment, and diagnostic laboratory tests, as well as infrastructure enhancement. Additionally, partners conducted capacity building activities for healthcare personnel, reaching 31,925 individuals.

To enhance access to healthcare and expand health insurance coverage, R4V partners undertook advocacy efforts in various countries. For instance, in Uruguay and Bolivia, partners collaborated with national and local health authorities to advocate for the recognition of temporary documents and direct assistance for enrolment. In Peru, partners promoted the inclusion of refugees and migrants in the Comprehensive health Insurance (SIS).

The coordination with other regional mechanisms, such as the intergovernmental Quito Process, which includes a HIV/AIDS Working Group (Champion Country: Argentina) and a Health/COVID-19 Working Group (Champion Country: Peru), was strengthened, through the Regional Health Sector’s participation in technical workshops with governments in the region, as well as advocacy for a more holistic approach, including other health topics (apart from COVID-19, mental health, and HIV-AIDS) in Quito Process discussions and relating technical workshops.

Lessons Learned

While 2023 saw improvements in access to healthcare services, certain limitations persist, with continued coordination and efforts required to address healthcare needs amid increasing mixed movements. These challenges are exacerbated by logistical and infrastructure challenges, especially in remote areas, as well as continued challenges ensuring that national health policies are accessible to refugees and migrants. Therefore, in 2024 the Health Sector will ensure further coordination with governments, at federal and local levels, to enhance the provision of healthcare services.

In 2024, the Health Sector will continue to adjust programs to evolving movement trends to support refugees and migrants in accessing vital services, irrespective of their situation (in-destination or in-transit), while continuing to strengthen national capacities, and to work with governments to reduce barriers that limit access to healthcare services.

Situation

In 2023, despite significant efforts and achievements by host governments to support refugees and migrants with regularization, protection and integration efforts, refugees and migrants in-destination often experienced difficulties accessing regular income in their host countries, while being heavily impacted by the general cost of living crisis. Lack of transportation was one of the main obstacles to accessing essential services like healthcare, education, protection, or regularization. The resulting and ongoing need for humanitarian transportation services on a daily or regular basis remains a significant concern, especially for women who are heads of households, pregnant or lactating (RMNA 2023).

In parallel, 2023 was marked by a notable increase in onward and transit movements of refugees and migrants, particularly in Central America and Mexico. More than half a million people crossed from Colombia to Panama through the Darien in 2023, representing almost 50% more than 2022. In addition, movements between host countries and pendular movements in the Southern Cone and some Caribbean countries continued.

Due to the lack of documentation and economic means to pay for safe and dignified transportation many refugees and migrants travel on foot on these routes, often walking for weeks, for 8 to 16 hours per day.  During such journeys, they face heightened risks that affect their health including  exposure to climatic events and direct sunlight, roadside accidents, insufficient access to healthcare services, as well as protection risks such as abuse, exploitation, trafficking and smuggling, GBV especially sexual violence, harassment, and recruitment of minors. Furthermore, refugees and migrants continue to embark on dangerous sea crossings to Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad and Tobago, exposing themselves to risks such as trafficking and exploitation, as well as deaths at sea.

Response

In 2023, R4V partners conducted 947 humanitarian transportation activities assisting some 95.1K people, of which 73K were refugees and migrants in-destination, meeting 59.9% of the Sector’s target population. This was achieved through the support of 13 appealing organizations and 22 implementing partners. Humanitarian Transportation Sector partners received a total of  4.84 million USD in funding. More than 99% of the assistance was provided through direct assistance activities.

Regional efforts included adapting the definition and scope of humanitarian transportation to align with contextual changes and the updated activities within the Sector, aiming for improved clarity in implementation. Therefore, most of the reported sector activities in 2023 related to long-distance humanitarian transportation (528 activities). Building on recommendations and information in the 2022 Guidelines of Long-Distance Humanitarian Transportation, the Regional Sector developed a document on case studies, summarizing various good practices, successes and challenges faced in the implementation of long-distance transportation.

Lessons Learned

Access to safe transportation remains a significant challenge for refugees and migrants, in particular for those in an irregular situation, as most R4V countries have strict regulations and a corresponding requirement that access regular transportation options is contingent on having a regular status. This increases the exposure of refugees and migrants to criminal groups (including human smuggling and trafficking), risks of theft, health deterioration, exploitation, fraud, and violence.

In 2024, the Regional Sector’s efforts will continue to be directed at promoting information on the protection risks associated with irregular journeys and ways to reduce their exposure. This will occur in coordination with other sectors such as the Protection and Integration Sectors and the CVA Working Group.

Noting the unique structure of the Humanitarian Transportation Sector, a continued challenge remains the need to strengthen advocacy efforts with host governments, donor organizations, media, and others on its essential work in the region. The Sector will continue to support advocacy and advisory work for the implementation of activities and development of tools and capacities in short-distance humanitarian transportation.

Situation

According to an Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report, economic growth in the LAC region slowed down in 2023. South America’s economies grew by an average of 1.5% (3.8% in 2022); those in Central America and Mexico by 3.5% (4.1% in 2022); and in the Caribbean (excluding Guyana) by 3.4% (6.4% in 2022). Overall, the report estimates that the number of employed persons grew only by 1.4% in 2023 (5.4% in 2022). Against the background of slow economic growth, refugees’ and migrants’ access to income-generating opportunities has been particularly impacted, and in a context where refugees and migrants are perceived (more so than before) as competitors for the few remaining opportunities, it contributed to increasing levels of social instability, discrimination and xenophobia, further limiting their integration.

Political, social and economic instability, as observed in Ecuador, Peru and Argentina impeded the opportunities for refugees’ and migrants’ integration, contributing to onward movements. On the other hand, countries such as Brazil and Uruguay maintained both a favorable economic and political context, as well as integrative policies, beneficial for refugee and migrant integration, while other countries, such as Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica and Peru, have made advances towards regularization, which has greatly facilitated access to regular labour markets. That notwithstanding, challenges persist, particularly in accessing employment and financial services, partly due to limitations in existing regularization options (such as cutoff dates for eligibility and extensive administrative procedures), dynamics of regional labour markets as the unemployment rate for refugees and migrants surpasses the national average as seen in Ecuador and Chile, and lack of awareness by employers and financial institutions.

Response

In 2023, Integration Sector partners benefitted from financial contributions totaling some USD 48.85 million (amounting 14.3% of their requirements), with which they implemented 6,855 activities that provided integration support to 230.8K refugees, migrants and members of affected host communities (23.3% of those targeted). Among those reached, 61% were refugees and migrants in-destination, 28% were affected host community members, and the remaining 11% were those engaging in pendular, return and transit movements. Half of those reached were women.

To promote integration at the national level, integration partners supported entrepreneurship, enhanced access to vocational and language training and skills recognition, and promoted socio-cultural events through its work with authorities, private sector, academia and civil society. Partners highlighted contributions of refugees and migrants to local development through economic impact studies, such as in Panama, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Aruba, which have been key for changing migration perceptions and narratives.

Capacities of local authorities to promote inclusive participation in the design and implementation of socio-economic integration action plans were also strengthened in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Advances were also made towards the integration of indigenous refugees and migrants, notably in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Brazil where entrepreneurship trainings and financial education were made available in Spanish and in indigenous languages. In Aruba, partners collaborated with the government to amend the work permit policy. Manuals and guides were developed through coordination among various stakeholders, including an entrepreneurship guide in Ecuador.

In Brazil, the Integration and Humanitarian Transportation sectors collaborated in supporting the government’s Interiorization strategy; the Integration and Education sectors and the National Indigenous Affairs Working Group collaborated on capacity building efforts for indigenous refugees and migrants from Venezuela.

At the regional level, the Integration Sector established an Entrepreneurship Working Group and participated in the launch event of a regional online course on Entrepreneurship for refugees and migrants. In addition, the Integration and Shelter Sectors developed an Issue Paper on Area-Based Approaches to Integration. The Sector also improved communication and coordination with the intergovernmental Quito Process through its Socioeconomic Insertion Working Group (Champion Country: Colombia), and with the Food Security / Livelihoods Cluster of the Venezuela HCT through the R4V regional coordination team.

Lessons Learned

Securing funding remains a significant challenge. Considering the overarching Strategic Objective of the R4V response aiming to stabilize and integrate refugees and migrants in their host communities (also with a view to avoid onward movements) securing greater support from the international and development community remains the Sector’s greatest challenge.

Other challenges which impacted implementation related to the economic context and its effect on labour markets. The lack of legislative frameworks to enable refugees and migrants to access the regular labour market and the lack or limited regularization processes posed significant challenges for advancing integration, as did the rising levels of xenophobia and language barriers (especially in the Caribbean and in Brazil).

To address these issues, the Integration Sector will continue to strengthen its advocacy efforts for more adapted and inclusive public policies and provide technical assistance to national authorities in 2024. It will also adopt intersectoral measures and enhance collaboration with civil society organizations, particularly those led by refugees and migrants, using community-based approaches.

Situation

In 2023, increasing levels of multidirectional transit and onward movements of refugees and migrants, the ever-visible impacts of climate change, growing insecurity due to organized crime, and an increase in energy and food prices across the region exacerbated the vulnerability of population groups most susceptible to malnutrition: children under 5 and pregnant and lactating women, increasing the risk of malnutrition, disease, and death, especially among the youngest ones. In Colombia, the number of women observed among refugees and migrants in-transit from Venezuela increased by 143% in 2023, compared to 2022. Similarly, the number of children under the age of 5 increase by 177% during the same period.

The increase of refugees and migrants in-transit, including a large number of children under five and pregnant women undertaking these journeys, contribute to an increased vulnerability to malnutrition due to limited access to healthcare and nutrition services, WASH services, and food along the routes. For example, in Panama, the number of refugees and migrants in-transit through the Darien jungle reached historic records in 2023, with the number of children who crossed the Darien (113.2K) having almost tripled in comparison to 2022 (40,438). The number of pregnant women in-transit increased to over 1,000 during the year.

Host countries identified various types of malnutrition among refugees and migrants. In Brazil, out of 6,138 nutrition screenings performed on children of 6–59 months living in shelters and informal settlements in Roraima, 1,256 (29.2%) identified some level of wasting, either moderate (22%) or severe (7.2%) and were admitted for treatment. In Bolivia, 6% of Venezuelan refugee and migrant children in-transit aged 2–59 months were identified with wasting while 65% of children aged 6–59 months have either light, moderate or severe anemia. At the same time, malnutrition (underweight) and anemia were identified among pregnant and lactating women. In the Darien in Panama, among refugees and migrants in-transit, 1 out of 3 children between 6 and 12 years and 1 in 2 adolescents between the ages of 13-17 were identified with anemia.

Response

Ensuring access to nutrition services through qualified and trained personnel was the main priority of the regional Nutrition Sector. This included identifying and addressing the most pressing nutrition needs of vulnerable populations through nutrition interventions to prevent, identify and treat malnutrition (wasting, stunting and micronutrient deficiencies, such as anemia), nutrition counselling and micronutrient supplementation in pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of 5, as well as the timely identification, referral, and treatment of children under 5 with wasting.

Overall, 46.0K primary caregivers of children between 0 and 23 months received infant and young child feeding counselling in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, more than 8.5K children between 6 and 59 months received micronutrient powders, enriching their diets with essential vitamin and minerals, including iron, in Bolivia, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

Regarding wasting, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, 4.0K children between 6 and 59 months with a severe form of the condition were admitted for treatment and provided direct assistance, in coordination with government partners in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil.

Capacity development of health workers to deliver nutrition interventions was also a key component of the nutrition response. In Brazil, together with the WASH Sector, the Nutrition Sector supported the capacity building of 367 community health workers focusing on health and nutrition at local primary health care services, as well as strengthening of cultural sensitivity towards refugees and migrants.

Lessons Learned

Fund scarcity and limited nutrition expertise at the country level in some countries remain important challenges of the R4V Nutrition Sector response. Funding levels for nutrition activities varied widely across the region, with some countries encountering significant shortages while others met or exceeded financial requirements. Misalignment between data on funding levels and people reached data may stem from some activities not contributing to the overall number of people reached, notably awareness campaigns or some capacity-building activities, while in other cases partners may not have reported activities or the funding they received. Furthermore, although most countries have some level of capacity to implement nutrition interventions, this remains heterogenous across the 10 countries with an active Nutrition Sector, as shown by the limited coverage of infant and young child feeding counseling (34%) and micronutrient supplementation (25%). With only half of the R4V countries having the ability to contribute to nutrition responses of governments, the need for greater visibility and expertise in the field of nutrition remains paramount.

The traceability and follow-up of child malnutrition cases among refugees and migrants in-transit is a challenge due to the mobility of the population and the low access to health services. The increased number of women and children in transit was a challenge to the already stretched nutrition capacity. 

Situation

Refugees and migrants continued to engage in complex onward movements in 2023, often in an irregular manner and under precarious circumstances exposing themselves to excessive danger. Some individuals suffered violence, serious human rights violations, exploitation and abuse. Refugees and migrants from other nationalities increasingly joined these movements seeking safe access to territory. In addition, numerous Venezuelan refugees and migrants in host countries continued to remain in an irregular situation without regularization of their status.

Response

In 2023, partners reached over 985.7K refugees and migrants and affected host community members with specialized protection assistance.

To promote safe access to territories, partners engaged in communication with communities initiatives, in coordination with the AAP-CwC working group, to enable vulnerable individuals to access accurate information about regular routes, the risks associated with irregular routes and entry processes to countries in the region. Partners produced information material about the existing entry requirements for Chile and Peru, while, at the regional level, guidance on the changed legal framework for entry to the United States of America was developed to facilitate partners’ engagement with vulnerable individuals.

Legal assistance was a key activity to ensure refugees’ and migrants’ access to asylum systems and protection services. In Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia and Panama, partners engaged in strategic litigation to promote asylum seekers’ safe access to international protection, while in Peru, legal services fairs in districts with high concentration of Venezuelans were organized.

Partners called on government authorities to enhance protection, including regular stay arrangements and regularization initiatives. To support the continuous registration and regularization efforts in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, partners extended technical assistance to governments and offered direct support such as legal assistance, information on procedures and cash and voucher assistance (CVA) to refugees and migrants. In the Southern Cone, advocacy with government officials led to the creation of safeguards for asylum application of individuals in need of international protection at the Bolivian borders. Aruban partners worked with the government on a quality assurance endeavor, examining the country’s asylum process to guarantee equitable and efficient procedures that adhere to international standards. In Panama, partners supported authorities with the opening of a National Office for the Attention of Refugees (ONPAR) to receive asylum applications from people entering the country.

To strengthen linkages with the host states’ social protection systems and promote a favorable protection environment, referrals to specialized services and community-based protection initiatives were promoted. In Brazil and Guyana, partners identified vulnerable individuals, including from the ethnic group of the Warao, and referred them to state protection services. In Colombia, partners trained affected communities to reinforce their prevention and response capacity when confronted with human rights violations and violence. In Chile, actors supported community-based protection interventions to support social cohesion in response to an increased number of incidents involving xenophobia against refugees and migrants. In the Caribbean, partners engaged with indigenous and non-indigenous communities to promote their access to protection services and the exercise of their rights further.

Finally, the Sector also supported the work of the intergovernmental Quito Process and related protection advocacy, ensuring consultations with regional protection actors, creation of key advocacy messages and participation in the ‘Regularization and Integrated Border Management’ workshop held in October 2023.

Lessons Learned

The increasing number of refugees and migrants engaging in irregular movements; the adverse climate conditions at the borders between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru; the growing tension between Venezuela and Guyana due to bilateral territorial disputes; increasing levels of xenophobia and a militarization approach to mixed movements in the region, challenged the implementation of protection activities primarily by hampering the Sector’s ability to meet significant protection needs, as well as partners’ direct access to affected communities.

Limited funding impacted implementation across various countries of the region. Nevertheless, despite facing funding constraints in Brazil, Colombia and the Central America and Mexico sub-region, partners were able to reach protection targets. This can partly be attributed to the reorientation of the response to the growing in-transit population, but also as a result of an increased focus on capacity-building activities. Additionally, discrepancies between data on funding and people reached may also be due to partners not reporting financial contributions.

Considering the changing dynamics and multidirectional movements, the Sector will strengthen coordination among Platforms and partners to define and implement a suitable regional protection approach to common protection issues.

Situation and Response

The inter-agency and intersectoral Support Spaces Initiative provides information, orientation, identification, safe referral and basic services to refugees and migrants through a coordinated network across the region. During 2023, Support Spaces were located at strategic points of attention and were tailored to the context, taking new movement trends and dynamics into consideration, including people leaving and returning to their countries of origin or habitual residence.

A total of 190 Support Spaces are active in nine countries of the R4V response: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay. The first Support Space in the Caribbean was established in Trinidad and Tobago in the first semester of 2023.

In 2023, the Support Spaces Initiative implemented 196 activities through its 17 partners, including 3 refugee and migrant-led organizations. The main focus of the response was on capacity development to strengthen the knowledge and use of the Support Spaces Toolkit. Efforts were also concentrated on tailoring the toolkit to different locations and services provided. Building upon the toolkit, capacity-building sessions covered areas such as networking and coordination, humanitarian principles, protection, implementation with a differentiated approach, and accountability to affected populations. These sessions were held for 10 partners in Chile. Moreover, support was provided to strengthen the Support Space in Trinidad and Tobago, involving the capacity development of 30 individuals.

Together with the AAP/CwC Working Group, the Support Spaces Initiative conducted a two day-training on AAP and community feedback systems for partners involved in Support Spaces across the region. Additionally, to enhance collaboration with host governments, the Support Spaces Initiative actively engaged with the intergovernmental Quito Process under its Santiago chapter. A thematic workshop was held in July with the objective to strengthen the support structures provided by States. The workshop, conducted in close collaboration with member states and humanitarian actors, identified several priorities. These priorities included the need to elaborate care protocols, produce and disseminate information materials, strengthen collaboration with local governments and consolidate the network of care spaces.

Finally, the Support Spaces Initiative maintained coordination with regional networks such as Red Clamor and the Regional Network for the Protection of LGBTQI+ persons, including through collaborating on efforts to strengthen visibility and information dissemination through materials and capacity-building.  

Lessons Learned

To better adapt to current trends and needs and to ensure that Support Spaces provide specialized support across multiple areas, the Support Space Initiative will continue to enhance coordination with other sectors in 2024.

In 2024, the objective is also to expand the network to other geographical areas under the R4V response, such as Central America and Mexico. To this end, it is necessary to continue strengthening the presence of R4V in these countries and to work in coordination with existing structures. This will contribute to responding to current needs and generate strategies for the sustainability of the Support Spaces at the regional level.

Situation

Throughout 2023, refugee and migrant children and adolescents faced challenges accessing essential services and support, including protection, regularization and refugee status recognition, documentation, as well as basic needs, including food, education and healthcare. Sexual violence was one of the recurrent forms of violence affecting refugee and migrant girls and adolescents in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago. This includes physical and psychological violence as well as discrimination.

The RMNA highlighted the risk of child labour and early unions affecting refugee and migrant children. A significant number of unaccompanied and/or separated children (UASC) were also identified in 2023, including cases of voluntary separation from parents and caregivers, who undertook onward or transit journeys, often through unsafe routes and exposed to criminal groups, including smugglers and traffickers. Children traveling via such irregular routes or without documentation frequently faced barriers in accessing basic services, such as healthcare, education, and regularization process. Brazil reported a considerable increase of UASC in the first quarter of 2023, with 1,108 cases identified in Roraima, representing a 55% increase from the first half of 2022. Another concerning finding highlighted in the RMNA was that more than 12% of children aged 13 to 17 in Chile were separated from or unaccompanied by their parents.

Response

In 2023, Child Protection Sub-sector partners reached 105.8K people with some form of assistance, representing 37.3% of its target population. A total of 4,126 activities were implemented across the region, by 32 appealing organizations and 76 implementing partners, including 10 refugee- and migrant-led organizations.

The Sub-sector prioritized the provision of direct assistance, such as MHPSS, counselling, legal support and orientation, prevention and response to violence, support to family reunification processes, transitory care for UASC, documentation and registration.

At the regional level, the Sub-sector, in collaboration with the Integration Sector and Trafficking and Smuggling Sub-sector, published a report on Situation of Refugee and Migrant Children from Venezuela and the Link to Child Labour in Latin America. Furthermore, the Sub-sector carried out trainings for 22 partners in Trinidad and Tobago on the use of the psychosocial model for care for girls and adolescent survivors of GBV. In addition, the Sub-sector supported the development and implementation of the 3rd Regional Course on Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, training 120 people, including government officials and representatives of local and international NGOs and humanitarian actors from across the region.

Lastly, the Sub-sector maintained close coordination with the Quito Process, particularly with Government of Colombia, the Champion Country of the Child Protection Working Group, to advance advocacy efforts for child protection matters among the member states of this intergovernmental forum. This included the approval of the Operational Guide for Transnational Cooperation on specialized child protection in processes of human mobility.

Lessons Learned

In some countries of the region, limited funding impacted the Sub-sector’s ability to provide child protection services for refugee and migrant children, to strengthening public policies and specialized child protection services, family reunification, and regularization for children and their families. In other areas, the unprecedented onward and transit movement flows required for an adaptation of the R4V Child Protection response, resulting in exceeding initially planned targets.

Support for UASC continues to be a priority, and greater investment is needed to identify, negotiate and create mechanisms across countries to identify and attend the increased caseload UASC and provide them with child protection services, especially for those in-transit.

Situation

Refugee and migrant women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons continue to face severe gender-based violence (GBV) risks in public and private spaces. Population movement trends in 2023, along routes increasingly controlled by organized criminal groups, generated additional GBV threats and operational challenges for GBV responders. Refugees and migrants, predominantly women and girls, were subject to extortion, physical and sexual assault, trafficking for sexual exploitation purposes, and rape by armed and criminal groups during the perilous journey to reach destination countries. In 2023, a response actor provided clinical management of rape to 676 individuals entering Panama through the Darien jungle. Sexual violence against those in-transit was also reported on regular and irregular routes in Chile, Brazil, Peru and Colombia at the hands of drivers, police and border control officers.

Furthermore, organized crime, illegal mining and other illicit economies in remote territories in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Guyana and Peru were associated with femicides, rapes, and trafficking for sexual exploitation purposes of refugees and migrants.

The impact of a challenging economic situation, high crime rates and political turmoil in some host countries also contributed to heightened insecurity, economic hardship and increased vulnerability to GBV risks for refugees and migrants, such as sexual harassment in public spaces and sexual exploitation.

Response

In 2023, GBV Sub-sector partners reached 138.1K individuals through a multisectoral response encompassing GBV prevention and risk mitigation programs (2,089 activities), trainings (1,330 activities) and direct GBV assistance (918). At the regional level, the Sub-sector developed technical guidance on GBV service provision, led regional trainings on inter-agency guidelines to improve GBV program quality, and collaborated with other sectors to mainstream GBV awareness in their action plans.

At the national level, the national Sub-sector in Colombia adapted an inter-agency GBV risk mitigation tool for cash transfers and trained national Cash Working Group members on using the tool and making safe and ethical GBV referrals. Some 381 capacity building activities and 1.2K awareness sessions on GBV prevention were also implemented in Colombia. In Peru, 60 partners were trained on the use of cash in GBV response. In Brazil, the Roraima Inter-agency GBV SOP was finalized, and the Sub-sector organized a refugee and migrant women convention, during which a document was presented to government leaders, aimed at improving protection policies for refugees and migrants. It also conducted a large scale GBV awareness campaign reaching 5K people. In Ecuador, the Sub-sector updated referral protocols and improved referral practices between R4V partners and health and legal state actors. In Guyana, Sub-sector launched self-paced capacity development activities for partners.

The regional Sub-sector’s achievements included facilitating a panel on safe referrals and appropriate interaction with survivors for Venezuelan women leaders. It also led multi-country capacity strengthening initiatives, including a training on minimum standards for GBV programming for 38 women-led organizations from seven host countries. The Sub-sector also trained social workers four countries in the Caribbean on psychosocial care for adolescent GBV survivors. Additionally, in-person workshops and online session were facilitated in Peru, Trinidad and Tobago and Chile on topics including GBV minimum standards, coordination, risk mitigation in shelters, GBV core concepts and safe referrals.

Additionally, the GBV Sub-sector provided technical guidance and support to national sub-sectors, including support into strategic planning processes in four countries. Further achievements included the production of a guidance on social inclusion for adolescent refugees and migrants and a guidance on psychosocial support for LGBTQI+ adolescents from Venezuela.

To mitigate GBV risks in temporary accommodation sites, the GBV Sub-sector and the Shelter Sector conducted a three-day training of trainers (ToT) programme on GBV risk mitigation and safe referrals for 17 shelter and project managers from seven countries.

Lessons Learned

Implementation of GBV programming was challenging in areas controlled by armed groups or with heightened insecurity such as in Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana and along the Bolivian border. To address disruptions in humanitarian access, GBV responders relied on mobile women and girls’ safe spaces and brigades, remote modalities and work through local partners.

For a more sustainable response in 2024, the GBV Sub-sector will focus on strengthening and partnering with women-led organizations to deliver community-based GBV responses due to their continued access, sustained presence and community buy-in.

Situation

Refugees and migrants were at high risk of human trafficking and smuggling throughout the region in 2023, with Venezuelans being identified as victims of trafficking (VoT) in almost all 17 countries of the R4V response. As noted in the RMNA 2023, those most vulnerable to trafficking are often refugees and migrants in-transit or in an irregular situation, in particular women, unaccompanied and/or separated children, indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples, persons with disabilities, sex workers, and LGBTQI+ persons. Its findings also show that victims of trafficking are subject to various forms of exploitation, especially for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour.

Human trafficking and smuggling have gone hand in hand with the rise in irregular transit movements, driven by restrictive access practices and policies, including militarization of borders and at times prohibitive visa requirements. These measures have pushed refugees and migrants to seek alternative routes, including resorting to smugglers, often accompanied by heightened risks.

Other significant challenges include the presence of organized criminal groups that control smuggling routes and expose in-transit populations to diverse threats, with gang-related activity observed along borders in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. In particular, porous borders facilitate illicit human trafficking, as observed in Colombia, Brazil and Peru. Overall, refugees and migrants crossing these borders irregularly face various risks, such as labour and sexual exploitation, hazardous travel conditions, and the possibility of being victims of human trafficking, underscoring the importance of a coordinated and well-informed regional response to address this issue.

Response

In 2023, the Human Trafficking and Smuggling Sub-sector provided assistance to 26.2K refugees and migrants, and affected host community members, reaching 78.8% of its target, despite limited funding. Notably, 60% of the target population received direct assistance, including legal aid and psychosocial support. In addition, refugees and migrants who were victims of trafficking or at risk of trafficking were also able access to vocational programs in countries like Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

At the regional level, guidelines were developed to improve the early identification of trafficking and smuggling profiles. These were integrated into training sessions for Peru and Ecuador and presented at regional meetings. Additionally, the Regional Assistance Mechanism provided direct assistance, such as shelter, healthcare, and legal assistance to 38 cases to a total of 83 individuals in 2023, including victims and those at risk, addressing various forms of exploitation across Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Panama and the Dominican Republic. A regional campaign, “Something Goes Wrong” was launched to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

The Sub-sector also supported the development of tools within the Quito Process, specifically in coordination with the Trafficking in Persons Working Group (Champion Countries: Chile and Ecuador) including the Consular Assistance Guide and the Early Identification Toolkit. The former systematically compiles information according to international standards, supporting consular staff in identifying and assisting trafficking victims. The latter establishes criteria for prevention and victim identification.

In summary, the Human Trafficking and Smuggling Sub-sector achieved significant progress despite financial constraints. Its efforts encompassed direct assistance, regional collaboration, capacity building, and awareness campaigns. The Sub-sector’s commitment to addressing human trafficking and smuggling adopts a multifaceted approach, which prioritizes victim support, prevention, and cooperation among regional stakeholders.

Lessons Learned

Challenges encountered by the Sub-sector in 2023 include sustaining progress, adapting to evolving trafficking methods, and enhancing support to victims for long-term rehabilitation and integration into society. Achievements underscore resilience and commitment but require continued innovation and collaboration.

Funding levels for activities under the R4V response to human trafficking and smuggling varied widely across the region, with some countries encountering significant shortages while others benefitting from greater financial support. Misalignment between data on funding levels and people reached data may stem from some activities not contributing to the overall number of people reached, notably awareness campaigns or some capacity-building activities, while in other cases partners may not have reported activities or the funding they received.

Situation

The shelter situation of refugees and migrants in the region remained challenging throughout 2023 due to the combined effects of a strained economic situation, high levels of inflation, increasing levels of xenophobia, and prevalent security risks. As highlighted in the RMNA 2023, refugees and migrants faced increasing difficulties in accessing affordable and adequate housing, especially in urban areas, where most reside. Due to economic instability and high levels inflation in many of the countries in the region, costs of living, including rental prices, notably increased compared to 2022. Many refugees and migrants were forced to live in overcrowded, informal, or precarious settlements. In some countries, such as Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, refugees and migrants faced legal and administrative barriers to accessing formal housing, among them, some noteworthy obstacles were the lack of documentation, bank accounts, or guarantors, as these are often required to secure a formal rental contract.

Shelter remains as a key concern for refugees and migrants in-transit, who often find themselves sleeping in the streets and public spaces throughout their journey. Up to 76% of refugees and migrants surveyed in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica expressed uncertainty about where to spend the next night.

Response

The Sector responded to the urgent shelter needs of refugees and migrants by providing shelter assistance to 240.9K people, which represents 41% of the target population. This was achieved through 2,727 activities implemented by 73 partners, among which 6 are refugee- and migrant-led organizations. Out of the total activities, 16.3% were implemented through CVA.

Rental assistance constituted almost half of the activities implemented by the Sector, reaching more than 112,000 refugees and migrants. This included short-term support through hotels (43% of the overall rental assistance), short-term rental support for up to 3 months (30%), and long-term support of more than 3 months (26%).[1] To accompany these efforts, the Sector promoted technical tools such as the adequate housing tool, which was initially published in 2022 but adapted and improved in 2023.

The Shelter Sector coordinated with other sectors and partners to ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to shelter interventions while supporting the integration of refugees and migrants, as well as promoting self-reliance in host communities. To this end, the Sector worked with the Integration Sector and Shelter actors to develop tools and guidelines to support the settlement approach/area-based approach in the region. Additionally, in 2023, the Sector published guidance on the Harmonization of Household Items Kits. Finally, the work of the Shelter Sector was highlighted as a good practice in the Global Shelter Cluster’s 9^th edition of Shelter Projects.

Lessons Learned

The rise in the rental prices, which are often the largest cost for a family, led to refugees and migrants moving to less adequate and remote options. Such relocations, in turn, negatively impact their integration efforts. As a result, the shelter response had to continuously adapt to new rental market realities and update its tools and approaches to address the changing needs.

Another challenge relates to the ever-growing rate of refugees and migrants engaging in multidirectional onward and transit movements across the region, which contribute to the exhaustion of existing response capacities, in particular as concerns collective accommodation in border and urban areas, resulting in refugees and migrants frequently sleeping outside, without safety and protection from the elements and exposed to risks of abuse and exploitation, among others.

[1] Percentages are calculated based on the total number of activities conducted by R4V partners. The total number of refugees and migrants reached with rental assistance may contain duplications.

Situation

In 2023, the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs of refugees and migrants remained critical, as highlighted in the RMNA. Challenges persisted in accessing essential WASH services, especially against a background of the increasing onward and transit movements, and the strains this puts on local infrastructures along transit routes. For instance, 100% of those transiting through Panama’s Darien jungle require access to essential WASH services, despite the often remote location and overwhelmed capacities along the routes in Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia. As also highlighted in the RMNA, women and girls on the move encountered difficulties accessing menstrual hygiene products, both along the northward route via the Darien, as well as in destination countries in the Southern Cone and the Caribbean.

Refugees and migrants in-destination often faced inadequate access to WASH services, especially those residing in urban or peri-urban areas characterized by more precarious conditions. For example, in informal settlements in Colombia, where 58% of Venezuelan households lack regular access to water, 53% have toilets outside their homes, and 39% reported open defecation practices. Obstacles persisted in accessing WASH services, partly due to high demand and strain on available WASH services in public facilities, which struggle to meet the needs of growing populations. Additionally, policies and approaches adopted by local authorities sometimes did not prioritize WASH services in informal settlements, exacerbating the issue. Collaborative efforts and the involvement of public sector partners is crucial to build local capacity and promote a nexus approach.

Additionally, extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, such as the flooding emergency in Peru, droughts and bushfires in Chile, Colombia and Guyana, often in close proximity to areas inhabited by refugee and migrant communities, contributed to increased water scarcity, impacting disproportionately refugees and migrants, as well as affected host communities in accessing sufficient potable water.

Response

The WASH Sector’s response in 2023 reached 299.3K refugees and migrants and affected host communities, representing 50.6% of the target population. It was implemented by 38 partners in 17 countries. Panama reported the highest number population reached (264.1K, representing 259% of the national target), followed by Colombia (183.3K), Ecuador (62.8K), Brazil (34.6K), Peru (29.1K) and Guyana (7.2K). Owed to the larger than anticipated transit movements through Central America, coupled with the above-average need for WASH assistance by practically all those using this route, the number of refugees and migrants in-transit supported with WASH assistance in Panama (258.4K) was higher than any other sectoral assistance provided to in-transit populations.

The response across the region was largely implemented through direct assistance by sector partners (81%), including medium- to long-term interventions benefiting refugees and migrants in-transit and in-destination. Examples include improvements of sanitation and drinking water facilities in official shelters in Pacaraima and Boa Vista, as well as upgrades and maintenance of safe water production plants to guarantee water access in Migration Reception Centres (ERMs) and host communities in Panama’s Darien region.. The WASH Sector also provided assistance through integrated services, such as WASH assistance points, in Tumbes in Peru. Additionally, widespread distribution of in-kind hygiene supplies was an important activity, implemented through innovative response modalities, such as the Hygiene Corner. Through partners distribution of hygiene items for refugees and migrants in-transit in Necoclí in Colombia,  more than 5.2K persons were reached in 2023.

On a smaller scale but with significant impact, capacity building activities (8.5%) were conducted to strengthen coordination and response efforts, including with including government officials. Additionally, partners carried out hygiene promotion campaigns (8,1%) aimed to promote social behavior change. Lastly, partners also improved infrastructure (1,6%), including through WASH projects in institutions like schools and healthcare facilities frequently attended by refugees and migrants. These interventions were coordinated with Shelter, Protection, Education and Health Sectors.

Lessons Learned

In 2023, the USD 11.56 million allocated to the WASH Sector covered only 17.4% of partners financial needs for the year. Consequently, response activities were insufficient to comprehensively address the urgent WASH-related needs of refugees, migrants and their host communities across the region. Funding shortfalls and the substantial increase of refugees and migrants in-transit resulted in front-line and shorter-term WASH needs being prioritized, impacting the implementation of longer-term solutions.

The movement trends and dynamics, in particular those involving multidirectional onward and transit movements, seen in 2023 require increased support in 2024 to enhance response capacities, to manage increased movements and to provide partners and institutions with the necessary technical support and tools. Addressing the challenges requires a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach, including building partnerships, strengthening local capacity and ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms.

Situation

After six years, the widespread inability of refugees and migrants to generate sufficient income impedes many from meeting their basic needs, accessing services, and exercising their fundamental rights, in turn continuing to undermine their socio-economic integration. Although significant progress was achieved in some countries in providing migratory regularization, refugee recognition and integration opportunities (such as in Colombia), this has not yet translated into comprehensive access to services and rights for the majority of refugees and migrants in the region. In particular of those engaging onward or transit movements, as well largely remain dependent on humanitarian assistance.

To respond to the varied needs, throughout 2023, cash and voucher assistance (CVA) was the preferred modality of assistance among refugees and migrants both in-transit and in-destination – in particular, multipurpose cash transfers. As noted in the RMNA 2023, cash was the preferred response modality of 61% of refugees and migrants in need of food, and of 77% of those in need of housing.

The large majority of CVA implemented in the region is targeted at in-destination refugees and migrants, who are the overwhelming proportion of refugees and migrants in the region. As concerns those in-transit, the RMNA 2023 showed that while 88% of the in-transit population in Colombia reported not having enough resources to cover their basic food requirements, with only 2% having reported receiving cash-based assistance between April and May the same year.

Response

Cash and voucher assistance has been a key response modality to meet basic needs of refugees and migrants in LAC. In 2023, some 30% of the people reached by the overall R4V response received assistance in the form of cash or vouchers. In addition, 257K people (40,7% of the target population) benefitted from multipurpose cash transfers (MPC), 74% of whom were women and children. However, this amount fell far short of the targeted population due to funding gaps for this intervention (15,1% of funds needed were received).

In 2023, the Regional Cash Working Group supported the regional coordination of cash-based interventions, the use of MPC linked with sectoral services, and the strengthening of linkages between humanitarian assistance and social protection to integrate refugees and migrants into national systems. This was done by means of partnering with regional sectors and key stakeholders, promoting inter-country dialogue and information sharing, compiling and disseminating relevant regional knowledge, and capacity-building trainings and workshops. Three capacity-building events worth highlighting are the “Basic Principles of Cash Transfers” and “Cash Transfers and Child Protection,” which trained approximately 50 regional and national actors in Panama and Bogota, respectively. Additionally, the virtual three-day Regional Learning Event “Linking CVA and Social Protection Systems” in Latin America and the Caribbean attracted an average of 90 attendees per session and garnered over 900 views of the recordings.

Lessons Learned

Cash and voucher assistance was unequally distributed across countries, with Colombia and Peru accounting for more than 87% of all CVA. A very small proportion of CVA is provided to in-transit populations, that tend to be in greater need of food and basic services, while being exposed to significant protection and safety risks. The CVA Working Group will continue to coordinate and offer technical assistance to partners in other R4V country platforms, to assess the viability of CVA methodologies outside the larger responses along the Andean Corridor.

Suggestions to improve the coordination and implementation of CVA in the region includes supporting the work on route-based approach to CVA in the region; and continuing to strengthen the linkages between social protection and humanitarian assistance.

Situation

In 2023, the El Niño weather phenomenon, coupled with other effects of climate change and environmental degradation caused extensive damage in multiple countries throughout the region, affecting both host communities and refugees and migrants. Parts of Central America, Bolivia and Colombia experienced prolonged droughts and water shortages, while the coasts of Ecuador, Peru and inland Bolivia saw intense rainfalls and flooding. Between April and November, a total of 803K people living in rural areas were exposed to severe drought in Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. In addition, Cyclone Yaku triggered flooding and heavy rains in the northern regions of Peru, leading to a dengue outbreak and devastating critical infrastructure such as schools and homes.

In areas facing limited access to safe drinking water, communities struggled with the repercussions of poor crops yields, livestock losses and infrastructure damage. For example, in Colombia, some 63% of nearly 2K surveyed households reported income losses due to the impacts of El Niño. Similarly, in June 2023, by heavy rains and floods affected over 20K people in northern Ecuador, while in Bolivia a state of emergency was declared for 51 municipalities, due to environmental damage, community disruption and economic losses, with an estimation of 4.9K families impacted by the fires.

These extreme weather events exacerbated existing movement dynamics and led vulnerable individuals and communities to leave their homes, leading to more people in shelters and protections concerns. The excessively dry or wet conditions heighten the risks of loss of land and income, encouraging negative coping mechanisms, resulting in growing risks of violence and exploitation.

Meanwhile, and as highlighted in the RMNA, the increasing number of refugees and migrants transiting through border and rural areas has contributed to adverse environmental impacts, with vulnerable refugees and migrants unable to access regular WASH services or shelters and therefore resorting to unsuitable natural spaces. Indigenous communities in these areas have been particularly affected, experiencing pollution of water as a result of the continuous passage of thousands of refugees and migrants each day, and inability to control garbage, solid waste, and other environmental degradation related with record-breaking movements.

These situations are compounded by at times inadequate conditions of some reception and transit facilities in the region, designed to provide an emergency response to growing numbers of in-transit movements of refugees and migrants. While not intended for longer-term needs, expansion, and not adapted to extreme climate events, at times, their shelter facilities generate construction debris, while the provision of ready-made meals in non-biodegradable packing frequently are at variance with applicable Sphere Standards for food assistance, aimed at reducing waste, reusing, and recycling.

Response

In 2023, the Environment Focal Pont developed a new integrated strategy that, underscoring R4V’s commitment to operationalizing the Humanitarian-Development Nexus in its activities. Given the exacerbated effects of climate change and environmental degradation and their effect on refugees and migrants and host communities, adaptation measures, such as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), aim to benefit both, fostering integration and protection while increasing communities’ climate resilience.  In contrast to the previous emphasis on emergency and prevention methods, the updated strategy aims to deliver concrete actions by implementing initiatives and activities at different operational levels:

• At the regional level, with the possibility to develop a regional analysis focusing on climate security to understand the effects of climate change, environmental degradation and insecurity in the LAC region as drivers of internal and external population movements; how these impacts push people into harmful adaptation practices and coping strategies, exacerbating violence, exploitation and abuse; and how these climate and environmental pressures put livelihoods and protection system at risk. Ultimately to leverage the contribution of this analysis to align with and including it in host governments’ policy/agenda.

• At national and local levels, by mainstreaming green durable solutions through the sectors, implementing environmental activities with local partners (CSOs, NGOs), that demonstrate how they can generate livelihood opportunities for refugee and migrant population and host communities, improve their living conditions and access to sustainable livelihoods; and by mainstream environmental considerations into sectors’ response to address environmental degradation in R4V response settings.

Bilateral meetings were conducted with various Regional R4V Sectors to review the existing documentation framework, collect information regarding specific priorities and challenges, and outline comprehensive actions in the Platform. Moreover, the Environment Focal Point prepared training sessions on green tools for environmental mainstreaming, such as NEAT+ (Nexus Environment Assessment Tool) to provide sectors concrete tools to assess the impact of their plans and responses on the environment.

Situation

Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) committed by humanitarian and development actors remains a significant concern for the individuals whom these organizations serve and protect, including refugees and migrants. The impact of sexual exploitation and abuse is profound for victims, communities, and organizations and violates refugees’ and migrants’ fundamental human rights, perpetuating cycles of trauma and vulnerability. It is also a protection concern that erodes the confidence and trust of affected communities and host populations in those providing assistance.

The deteriorating socio-economic, political and security situation in various host countries, lack of access to basic needs, absence of support networks, difficulties in accessing regularization/refugee recognition, and limited access to reporting mechanisms and justice have contributed to an environment where particularly women and girlsLGBTQI+ people are at higher risk of experiencing all forms of violence. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment are pervasive issues that refugees and migrants face and which are often underreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of support services. Barriers to accessing life-saving gender-based violence (GBV) response services, limited access to healthcare and sexual and reproductive health services, and obstacles to securing comprehensive sexual education exacerbate the risk of SEA and its potential consequences.

While R4V partners have revamped their commitment towards adopting robust protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) measures, including the nomination of National/Sub-regional Platform PSEA focal points, the capacity to meet all required standards remains a challenge, and there is still an urgent need for collective action to ensure that all organizations provide adequate safeguards and appropriate response related to SEA that are in line with global standards.[1]

Response

Throughout 2023, the PSEA Community of Practice (COP) focused on its priorities of supporting partners to undertake PSEA measures within the countries of the R4V response.

The COP, in collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations shared knowledge, expertise, and best practices through remote and in-person learning sessions for R4V partner organizations, reaching a total of 190 participants. The COP also supported an inter-agency PSEA training on victim assistance and on inter-agency risk assessment in Chile, reaching 24 UN personnel, mainly PSEA focal points from different agencies.

2023 saw an increased and visible commitment from the R4V leadership on PSEA. During the XXII plenary meeting of the Regional Platform, Regional Directors reinforced expected standards of conduct for anyone associated with delivering the R4V response and expressed a renewed commitment to PSEA, ensuring that their agencies’ personnel – including partners and service providers – protect beneficiaries and communities from sexual misconduct, uphold their rights and prioritize their dignity and well-being, and expecting all R4V partners to join this commitment.

A key achievement of the COP was the consolidation of a Network of Platform Focal Points, which, under their terms of reference, promote collective PSEA measures within their respective platforms.

The COP extended support for the development and implementation of robust policies and procedures to prevent and respond to SEA through a pilot mentoring program for R4V partners.  This involved reviewing and updating existing organizational PSEA policies and codes of conduct, establishing human resources systems to prevent SEA, introducing reporting mechanisms, and ensuring victim assistance and investigations. Four CSOs in Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, and Chile participated in the pilot, which will finish mid-year in 2024.

The COP worked on the adaptation of PSEA materials based on the global campaign “Together We Say No.”

Finally, the COP actively engaged in inter-sectoral collaboration to strengthen PSEA within Shelter, Humanitarian Transportation, AAP, and GBV to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach. This collaboration facilitated information sharing, joint advocacy, and the development of inter-sectoral initiatives to address the underlying causes and risk factors of SEA.

Lessons Learned

Ensuring that over 200 partners in the world’s largest geographical response are at the forefront of protecting and responding to SEA and are able to mitigate SEA risks through their organizational structures and operations remains a challenge. Furthermore, there is a common assumption that PSEA measures do not require additional resources, while in reality, dedicated financial and human resources are crucial for PSEA capacity implementation plans and the introduction of processes and procedures that are compliant with PSEA global standards. To address this challenge, the COP was able to secure seed funding for R4V partners who participated in the above-mentioned pilot program, allowing them to fund certain organizational activities such as drafting of PSEA policies, development of staff trainings, and review of HR systems.

In general, feedback and complaint mechanisms across the region continue to lack the appropriate measures to ensure these are safe and accessible reporting channels for victims of SEA.  Together with the AAP-CwC WG, the PSEA COP will continue to look into potential collaborations for 2024 and reinforce synergies.

While undertaking joint risk assessments was one of the priorities for 2023, the COP identified two important challenges. The first one was the lack of financial resources to implement them, and the second was the unfamiliarity of evaluating the PSEA response in a given site. The COP worked intensively in shifting that perception and ensuring that partners understand that despite best efforts, SEA is a risk present in any context where a response is carried out and R4V partner organizations operate. Effective SEA risk management starts with evaluating the risks and undertaking targeted actions to address them.

In 2024, the COP will strengthen dialogue with National Platforms to ensure that additional countries conduct risk assessments of their response.

 [1] For more information on PSEA standards and principles please see: IASC PEAS Basics, IASC PEAS Core Principles, IASC PEAS Minimum Operating Standards, Fact sheet on the Secretary-General’s initiatives to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse, CHS Alliance PEASH Implementation Quick Reference Handbook.

Situation

In terms of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Communication with Communities (CwC), the situation for refugees and migrants in Latin America in 2023 varied across different regions and countries. Efforts were made to include refugees and migrants in decision-making processes and amplify their voices through digital engagement, as seen in Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. Rapid community information sessions were also conducted for refugees and migrants in-transit between borders, such as Panama-Colombia and Bolivia-Chile. However, fully implementing AAP principles remained a challenge.

In some countries, local and national governments, along with R4V partners, worked to directly engage refugees and migrants in discussions on policies and programs that directly affected them. This involvement ranged from community meetings to consultation processes aimed at gathering feedback on services and assistance provided, as demonstrated in the joint needs assessment in Ecuador, focusing on the integration of the refugee and migrant population. Nevertheless, limited access to information, online disinformation and misinformation campaigns, language barriers and differences in fully accessing services between different demographic groups across the region hindered meaningful community participation.

Response

At the regional level, the AAP/CwC Working Group, convened a meeting with 13 key AAP/CwC focal points from R4V partners to collectively determine the main pillars of the AAP/CwC response. These pillars included capacity building, key messaging, and harmonized interagency approaches, and were consolidated in an updated AAP/CwC work plan.

Capacity building initiatives were supported across the region, including in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru, to empower partners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage with affected populations and integrate AAP principles into their response activities. The AAP/CwC Working Group also developed regional key messages in collaboration with the Communications Working Group, the Protection Sector and Humanitarian Transportation Sector to streamline communication efforts by creating consistent messaging, providing accurate information on migration procedures, rights and available support services. To ensure the inclusivity and relevance of the key messages finalized in 2023, the working group plans to implement participatory methodologies that may include conducting focus group discussions, community consultations, and feedback sessions with refugee and migrant populations. These would help gather insights, perspectives, and suggestions for improving the key messages to ensure that they are relevant, impactful, and responsive to the diverse needs.

Finally, the AAP/CwC Working Group  established a harmonized inter-agency regional AAP framework to align methodologies, tools, and reporting mechanisms to ensure coherence and consistency in AAP/CwC efforts under the R4V platform.

Lessons Learned

Despite efforts through online campaigns to disseminate accurate information for refugees and migrants, partners’ initiatives via Facebook and TikTok, challenges persist due to the prevalence of disinformation and viral campaigns in social media driven by smugglers and unreliable sources. This misinformation significantly influences their decision-making process, very often leading them to choose perilous routes like the Darien Jungle in Panama, highlighting the urgent need for scaling-up reliable online strategies and resources to ensure their safety and well-being.

In addition, in response to new migration policies enacted in countries across the region, there is a pressing need to develop or update information materials to guide refugees and migrants and ensure they understand their rights, obligations, and available services. Without updated and accurate information refugees and migrants may make decisions based on outdated information, leading to misunderstandings of their rights or risks associated with migration routes.

An additional AAP/CwC challenge in 2023 is the necessity to improve inter-agency community feedback mechanisms. Implementing innovative methods for community feedback collection, such as mobile apps or community-based surveys, can help address these challenges and ensure that locally led responses are shaped directly by community inputs.

Situation

The lack of livelihood opportunities, effective integration and regularization, as well as changing regulations and dynamics in some countries of the region led hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants in the region to engage in successive onward movements. Considering the context in which refugees and migrants live within the region, with the majority considered in-destination and seeking to integrate into host countries and communities, while others are in-transit seeking a new place to call home, it is imperative for local and international media, decision-makers, and the general public (in the LAC region and external) to better understand the present situation. In this context, it was crucial to improve advocacy efforts, highlight R4V’s relevance in the response to the situation and partners’ key activities, and contribute to the provision of key information to refugees and migrants.

Response

In 2023, the Regional Communications Working Group focused on the following areas:

Raising awareness of the situation of refugees and migrants and improving visibility of their contributions to society to fight xenophobia and promote social cohesion.

• Field missions conducted to Chile, Argentina and Brazil to gather photos and videos on human-interest stories and the R4V response, used for strategic communications pieces during key events and campaigns through the course of the year.
• The podcast “Crossing Borders” was produced in partnership with Spain’s largest radio network, Cadena Ser.
• The launch of the documentary “The Journey that Never Ends” in the framework of the Conference in Solidarity with Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela and Host Countries and Communities in Brussels. It was also screened in the framework of national film festivals and events in Panama, Ecuador, Indonesia and Libya, with over 600 people having attended these events. The documentary is also included in the Global Migration Film Festival, which will make it available to be screened at events concerning refugees and migrants, host communities, and relevant stakeholders.

Enhancing visibility of the R4V Platform, including initiatives led by Sectors, National and Sub-regional Platforms, and partners.

• Supporting the launch and dissemination of documents and projects, such as the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan Update 2024 (RMRP), the Refugee and Migrant Needs Analysis 2023 (RMNA), the Solidarity Conference, the quarterly Movements Report, the Shelter Projects 9^th Edition, and the 5th General Assembly of the Coalition for Venezuela, through the development of strategic messaging, press releases, social media content and videos; as well as with the planning and implementation of high-level presential events.
• Reaching 360K impressions in R4V’s YouTube account; more than 8K followers and 700K impressions in R4V’s X account; more than 3K views of R4V’s monthly newsletter; and over 240K users of the R4V’s website and microsites.

Disseminating messages to reduce information gaps and support protection of refugees and migrants.

Together with Sectors, Working Groups and partners, audiovisual and graphic materials were developed and disseminated for the following communication strategies:

• Termination of title 42: information campaign to inform refugees and migrants about the new migration measures of the U.S. government after the withdrawal of COVID-19 regulations.
• “Spread the Word”: prevention campaign created for the International Day Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling.
• “Together We Say NO”: toolkit to provide key PSEA information to humanitarian and development staff.

Lessons Learned

The Communications Working Group faced challenges such as the need to respond promptly to quickly changing government policies affecting refugees and migrants; countering the negative and false narratives about Venezuelans in the region; and managing the impact of social media influencers and media outlets disseminating misinformation with specific agendas. To address these challenges, in 2024 the Working Group will strengthen team efforts with sectors and communication partners in the region to work hand-in-hand to counter misinformation with campaigns and key messages that allow prompt responses to changing and adverse contexts.