The Americas

2022 Population planning figures

• Refugees and asylum-seekers in Latin American and Caribbean countries: 1 million
• Venezuelans displaced abroad* in Latin American and Caribbean countries: 5 million
• Others of concern in Venezuela: 7 million

*Various interconnected factors are causing Venezuelans to leave, but given the deteriorating political, socioeconomic and human rights conditions, it is clear that international protection considerations are applicable to the majority of Venezuelans. Venezuelans displaced abroad are included in the global forced displacement total.

2022 Situation overview

In 2021, population outflows from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continued towards Latin America and the Caribbean as movement restrictions were progressively lifted. Loss of livelihoods, evictions, and rising xenophobia compounded a challenging socioeconomic environment, triggering secondary movements of Venezuelans settled in host countries. A few spontaneous returns were observed in 2021.

The remaining border restrictions resulted in many Venezuelan refugees and migrants resorting to irregular movements in the region, which exposed them to additional risks of gender-based violence, exploitation, or physical risks. UNHCR enhanced its presence in isolated areas to monitor and prevent deportation or expulsions at the borders. In 2022, UNHCR aims to prioritize critical activities like assistance, identification and referral to services for persons at heightened risk. UNHCR will support the ongoing national efforts offering regular stay and documentation to Venezuelans. Enhanced advocacy with local and national authorities will be key to allow for progressive opening of social protection programmes for refugees.

The internal situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is expected to remain complex in 2022. With sufficient funds, UNHCR will sustain the support to prioritized communities as planned under the inter-agency humanitarian response.

UNHCR, with IOM, will foster the implementation of the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan across 17 countries. Also, UNHCR and IOM will bolster the governmental coordination of the Quito Process (an initiative of several Latin American countries that seeks to harmonize domestic policies in the receiving countries) through technical support.

2022 Population planning figures

• IDPs: 473,600
• Refugees and asylum-seekers in Latin America and Caribbean countries*: 148,200
• Others of concern: 208,342

*This projection does not include Mexico and US.

2022 Situation overview

In 2021, a growing number of families, unaccompanied children and individuals were forced to leave their homes in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, a trend that is expected to persist in 2022. Widespread violence, fragile institutions, impact of climate change and deep-rooted inequalities compounded by the pandemic-related socioeconomic downturn contributed to displacement across borders and inside Honduras and El Salvador. Along with Mexico, the countries in Central America are increasingly becoming host to those in search of protection, while remaining transit countries for people from the south of the continent and beyond. The reintegration of those who have returned remains critical to ensuring future opportunities and mitigating the risk for further displacement.

In 2022, UNHCR will further support national efforts to address the causes and consequences of forced displacement in the region. In alignment with Humanitarian Response Plans in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, UNHCR aims to implement multifaceted responses aligned with national plans designed under the Comprehensive Regional Framework for Protection and Solutions (MIRPS).

2022 Population planning figures

• IDPs: 8.5 million
• Refugees and asylum-seekers in Latin American countries: 111,600

2022 Situation overview

Forced displacement and confinement persists in certain areas controlled or disputed by irregular armed groups, in line with pre-COVID-19 trends. In 2022, the challenging situation in these areas will continue to impact indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities who are already at heightened risk.

Protection needs remain pressing in areas affected by insecurity. UNHCR’s presence in field locations will remain crucial in 2022 to bolster coordinated efforts with local and national authorities in the monitoring and quick response to displacement and confinement. Empowering communities to identify risks, implementing protective measures and arranging actions with competent authorities will help IDPs and host communities in the search for long-term solutions for the displaced population. UNHCR will work with government institutions to advocate for measures addressing the structural risk factors that continue to cause internal displacement. Support to the implementation of the Victims Law will be maintained.

2022 Population planning figures

Refugees and asylum-seekers in Latin American countries: 167,100

2022 Situation overview

The prevailing political situation in Nicaragua has led to a protracted, low-intensity crisis prompting continuous population outflows, mainly to neighbouring Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama. Pandemic-related restrictions and the socioeconomic slowdown that hit the region exacerbated the vulnerability of many Nicaraguan refugees and asylum-seekers in 2021.

In 2022, access to asylum, regular stay arrangements and documentation will be prioritized, along with the provision of shelter, cash assistance or social security in a comprehensive effort coordinated with authorities and other key actors in the framework of the Comprehensive Regional Framework for Protection and Solutions (MIRPS).