Central America

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.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Promoting Health - Empowering Indigenous Women

Climate-related disasters and declining agricultural yields are threatening the nutrition and health of mothers and children in northern Guatemala. Together with our partner organisation ASESCA, we are working to improve health care for pregnant women and young children in the rural regions of Alta and Baja Verapaz.

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.

Two women are filling a sack with corn and laughing.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Good harvest despite climate crisis

Climate change poses a threat to the livelihoods of people living in Guatemala's ‘dry corridor’. In partnership with Utz Che', we promote sustainable farming methods and support local income generation, particularly among indigenous women.

Women are sitting at a table and painting on large sheets of paper.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Guatemala: Protecting and empowering women in the Polochic Valley

In northern Guatemala, many families live in extreme poverty and insecurity. Natural disasters, land grabbing and displacement threaten their livelihoods, with women and children being particularly affected. In collaboration with our partner organisation ECAP, AWO International empowers women in the Valle del Polochic, protecting them from violence and helping them to develop new perspectives.

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.

Central AmericaEl Salvador

Silence is not an option

The human rights situation in El Salvador is becoming increasingly serious as a result of the government's crackdown on gang crime in the country. Human rights violations are commonplace. Our partner organisation Cristosal is committed to supporting women and their families who have become victims of human rights violations and displacement.

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.

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.