FACT SHEET January 2021

NRC’s operations in

North of Central America and Mexico Karina Ana Photo: Delgado/NRC

Humanitarian overview NRC’s operation

Displacement caused by generalised violence is affecting NRC has been working in the north of Central America communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and since 2014, meeting the needs of tens of thousands Mexico. Official figures are either outdated or non-exis- affected by violence and natural disasters, including the tent, but according to IDMC over 1.2 million people were internally displaced, refugees, people in need of interna- internally displaced within these countries in 2019. tional protection, deported people, and their hosts.

Criminal gangs exert heavy territorial control in the We advocate for the recognition of the humanitarian region. Extortion, restrictions on mobility, threats, intim- crisis affecting the north of Central America and we con- idation, kidnapping, sexual violence and homicides are tribute to the development of policy aiming to protect common. Massacres occur regularly. This context has the rights of the displaced. We call for increased human- been likened to a war situation. itarian funding and engagement on processes that will generate structural changes in protection and assistance According to the November 2020 Humanitarian Needs in the region. Overview for El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, 9.2 million people need humanitarian assistance in this region, 1.8 million people need protection due to the impacts of violence and 3.5 million people are living with acute food insecurity. These figures were researched before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and before tropical storms Eta and Iota, which hit the region in No- vember 2020. Since then, the scope of the crisis has only increased. North of Central America and Mexico As the second wave of Covid-19 is underway, mass dis- Established 2014 placement, food insecurity, school abandonment, social International staff 4 unrest, violence, protection and housing needs, are all National staff 63 predicted to rise in the coming months.

www.nrc.no BELIZE Gulf Of Honduras NRC North of Central

AmericaCARIBBEAN and Mexico GUATEMALA SEA Country office Tegucigalpa HONDURAS Areas of operation Honduras: Tegucigalpa, San Pe- dro Sula and Choloma El Salvador: San Salvador EL SALVADOR Guatemala: Ciudad de Guatemala NICARAGUA Mexico: Tapachula

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

NRC Colombia Country director: ​Angelita Caredda www.nrc.org.co Email: [email protected] Address: Colonia Rubén Darío, Tegucigalpa

Education legal pathways for people in need of international We work to ensure that children and youth have access protection to education and safe schools. In collaboration with local • support authorities at local and national level to communities and local and national authorities, our develop legal frameworks or improve practices to teams: protect the rights of the forcibly displaced • provide services to ensure access to Refugee Status • identify out-of-school children and youth, and es- Determination (RSD) and housing, land and property tablish study groups for those who want to continue rights their education • prepare children to resume education activities and Water, sanitation and hygiene promotion (WASH) and shelter: gain basic skills to remain safe To support those affected by displacement, violence and • promote and provide safe education opportunities natural disasters we: • strengthen the capabilities of local communities and institutions • facilitate access to our partners’ shelters • upgrade and maintain collective centres ensuring Despite the current pandemic, we continue to work to the good functioning of sanitation and handwash- ensure children remain connected to learning. ing facilities • distribute water and hygiene kits and promote Information, counselling and legal assistance (ICLA) good hygiene practices To protect those who had to flee their homes, as well as • build the capacity of local organisations and insti- those deported back to the region, we: tutions to respond to displacement emergencies, in line with the international humanitarian standards • provide information and counselling on human- itarian assistance, asylum procedures, and other As part of our Covid-19 emergency response, we are

www.nrc.no rehabilitating schools to allow children to return to an environment where safety requirements can be met, and we work with school staff and communities to promote hygiene messages.

Cash assistance Whenever possible, when assisting individuals and fami- lies facing high protection risks and other emergency sit- uations, we utilise technology to distribute cash to allow people to cover their shelter or transportation costs, to buy food, hygiene products, or access public services and pay documentation fees.

NRC North of Central American and Mexico is grateful for the generous support from our donors:

Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration (BPRM)

www.nrc.no