Central America
Record exodus: over 800,000 nicaraguans forced to leave due to political crisis
At least 800,000 Nicaraguans, representing 11.8% of the country’s estimated population of 6.8 million, have been forced to leave Nicaragua since April 2018, when a social and political crisis erupted in the Central American nation. This exodus is the “largest in history,” according to the humanitarian NGO Colectivo Nicaragua Nunca Más, which reported on Thursday.
“To date, around 800,000 Nicaraguans have been forcibly displaced to other countries due to political crisis and state violence,” reported the Collective in its statement. The organization, which is made up of Nicaraguan exiled activists based in Costa Rica, further noted, “This is the largest human displacement in Nicaragua’s history. In Costa Rica alone, over 250,000 Nicaraguans are currently applying for refugee status.”
The NGO stated that, “as a result of relentless repression” under Daniel Ortega’s government, “the country is facing the largest exodus in its history, mainly to the United States, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain.”
The organization also expressed concern over “the conditions in host countries,” saying that, “in most cases, [migrants] are unable to access health care, education, dignified housing, social security, job opportunities with adequate pay, or food security.”
In a prior report on the ‘Situation of Forced Displacement of Nicaraguans’ published in June 2023, the organization indicated that around 605,043 Nicaraguans had fled the country due to state repression against opposition members, religious figures, and critics of the Sandinista government.
This means that nearly 200,000 Nicaraguans left their homes and fled their country in the past 16 months alone.
According to recent data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), cited in February by the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, a total of 440,280 Nicaraguans, or 6.5% of the population, sought asylum or refuge in third countries, mainly in the United States and Costa Rica, between 2018 and June 2023.
As of June 2023, UNHCR data also showed that 18,545 Nicaraguans had been formally recognized as refugees.
Central America
IFRC warns of growing health barriers for migrants in the Americas
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a warning on Tuesday about the urgent health needs faced by migrants in the Americas, who “must overcome increasing barriers” and suffer from a “lack of comprehensive healthcare” in both transit and destination countries.
“The insufficiency of healthcare services and the barriers to access are putting lives at risk, exacerbating health inequalities, and putting immense pressure on already fragile national health systems,” the IFRC stated in a release marking the publication of the report Migration and Health in the Americas: Needs and Services Assessment.
The report, which compiles data from 2021 to 2023, indicates that in the case of migrants in transit, “between 60% and 70% require healthcare, with general medical services being the most needed,” while in destination countries, “up to 74% require healthcare services, such as maternal and pediatric care, treatment for chronic diseases, mental health services, and specialized care.”
Pedro Porriño, IFRC’s Emergency Health Coordinator for the Americas, emphasized that “access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and the barriers migrants face—whether due to their irregular status, lack of documentation, or fear of deportation—must be dismantled.”
“It is essential to provide comprehensive healthcare that addresses their needs, from basic medical care to specialized treatments for chronic conditions, mental health support, and services for people with disabilities,” Porriño added.
The IFRC highlighted that in Panama, a country that experiences a steady flow of migrants crossing the dangerous Darién jungle, the Red Cross has provided nearly 750,000 services over the past six years, mostly to migrants needing first aid, general medicine, mental health support, access to clean water, vaccinations, and sexual and reproductive health care.
“Addressing the health needs of migrants should be a priority, and recognizing the role of local Red Cross teams in providing assistance, protection, and dignity is an opportunity for governments and donors to ensure migrants’ right to health,” said Martha Keays, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas.
Central America
Guatemala to issue public apology for poet Alaíde Foppa’s disappearance
The government of Guatemala is set to offer a “public apology” on Tuesday, taking responsibility for the arrest and disappearance of Spanish poet, writer, and activist Alaíde Foppa Falla, who went missing 44 years ago during the country’s internal armed conflict (1960-1996).
This was announced on Monday by the Secretary of Social Communication of the Presidency, Santiago Palomo. The act will be led by President Bernardo Arévalo de León.
Palomo stated that the president, on behalf of the State of Guatemala, would issue a public apology for Foppa’s disappearance. Foppa, who was also an art critic, professor, and translator, lived in Mexico for many years and held Mexican citizenship.
The event will also acknowledge Foppa’s lifelong work, and the State’s responsibility for the violence she endured, as well as her disappearance. Palomo emphasized that the government’s act is a step toward honoring the memory of her struggle for justice and toward the dignification of the victims and their families.
Central America
Honduras embraces christmas amid poverty and storm Sara’s aftermath
The Christmas season in Honduras unfolds against a backdrop of poverty affecting 63% of its nearly 10 million residents and the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Sara, which left at least six dead and caused millions in damages to infrastructure and agriculture.
Hundreds of people, mainly children accompanied by their families, have started to enjoy the festive atmosphere in various shopping centers, known locally as “malls,” and public squares in Tegucigalpa. These areas are decorated with nativity scenes, Christmas trees, and other seasonal motifs, along with mechanical rides for entertainment.
Despite the multiple challenges Honduras faces—including poverty, criminal violence, corruption, and inadequate health and education systems—the holiday spirit arrives earlier each year. Major retail chains and supermarkets began the season in early October with decorations, promotions, toys, and music to mark the festivities.
Large Christmas trees have been erected in shopping malls, drawing families and individuals eager to take photos. In some cases, they are accompanied by Santa Claus, known as San Nicolás or Papá Noel in other countries, adding a traditional touch to the celebrations.
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