Gruppenbild mit 4 Frauen in roten und weißen T-Shirts, die in die Kamera lächeln

Central America

Every day, people from Central America and Mexico set off for the United States. They are fleeing organised crime, extreme poverty and a lack of prospects for the future. This migration is associated with significant risks, as migrants face many dangers along the way.

Our current regional programme for Central America and Mexico promotes safe routes for migrant workers and refugees. We also support local non-governmental organisations working to combat poverty and violence sustainably.

In Guatemala City, a team of eight colleagues manages our regional projects. The focus is on safe migration and inclusive disaster preparedness.

A group of young people is sitting in a circle on the floor, chatting happily in a room.

Central AmericaMexico

Counseling and Empowerment

The border city of Tapachula is one of the first stops for migrants on their way to Mexico or the United States. The migrants suffer from human rights violations and precarious living conditions. Our partner organisation "Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Matías de Córdova" works to ensure access to rights and services for migrants, with a particular focus on women and girls.

A woman sits on a chair in a forum and discusses or asks a question.

Central AmericaMexico

Empowering women - defending human rights

Crime, sexual violence, poverty and structural inequalities are among the reasons why women flee their home countries to Mexico and the US. Access to protection and justice is complicated by many obstacles.

A woman in front of her small shop where she sells goods.

Central AmericaHonduras

Future opportunities for returnees in Honduras

Honduras is one of the Latin American countries from which most people emigrate to Mexico and the USA. Many young Hondurans return home traumatised and with no prospects for the future. Together with our partner CASM (Comisión de Acción Social Menonita), we are working to give them a better future.

The picture shows five people. One of them is sitting in front of a laptop, wearing an organization vest and explaining something to the others.

Central AmericaGuatemalaHonduras

Solidary families and opportunities for further education

Many migrants from South and Central America pass through Honduras and Guatemala on their way to Mexico or the US. These people often experience human rights abuses, exploitation and violence. We work with local partners to defend the rights of migrants in Guatemala and Honduras.

An employee from the partner organization FUDEP is carrying a box on his shoulders. Rubble can be seen in the background.

Central AmericaVenezuela

After the Earthquake: Emergency Humanitarian Action for Affected Families in Venezuela

La Guaira was hit by two major earthquakes in June 2026. More than 70,000 families lost everything. In collaboration with our local partner organisation, FUDEP, we are providing emergency aid in the form of hygiene kits for people in temporary shelters.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Silence is not an option

In El Salvador, the situation continues to deteriorate under the ongoing state of emergency. Anyone who stands up against violence or injustice quickly becomes a target. Our partner organization, Cristosal, was also forced to leave the country. From exile, it now continues to fight against human rights violations in its home country.

In the picture, three women are sitting outside a house. They are talking and laughing.

Central AmericaEl SalvadorGuatemala

Disaster Risk Reduction for All

People with disabilities often have less access to education and social participation. Discrimination and exclusion make their daily lives even more difficult. During natural disasters in Central America, this can be life-threatening. In Guatemala and El Salvador, AWO International is committed to inclusive disaster preparedness and comprehensive support for people with disabilities in their daily lives.

A member of staff at CCRD-Cubas is chatting to an elderly woman and holding her hand

Central AmericaCuba

Emergency aid in Cuba

Cuba faces a severe social, economic, and humanitarian crisis: About 9 out of 10 people live in poverty. Food, medicine, water, and electricity are becoming increasingly scarce. Together with CCRD-Cuba, we are providing rapid and direct emergency aid to 300 people at risk.

Two women stand in front of a poster of the organizations and shake hands. One of the women is holding a child in her arms.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Voices of Change

Guatemala faces severe human rights violations, particularly affecting migrants on their way to the United States. Irregular migration is on the rise, driven by extreme poverty, limited access to jobs and education, and widespread violence. AWO International is dedicated to safeguarding human rights in Guatemala, with a special focus on migrants, women, and children.