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 migrate to the USA. They flee from organized crime, poverty and lack of prospects. Since 2015, we have been working specifically on safe migration and on the development of local projects that aim to provide in particular young people and young adults with a place to stay.

Our new regional program runs until 2024 and focuses on safe migration routes for migrant workers from Central and South America. Also, the mission is to offer local projects for the local population to counteract poverty and violence.

Central AmericaGuatemala

The results of a long journey

The Municipal District of Ixcán in Guatemala is inhabited mostly by indigenous peoples and is characterized by high rates of both moderate and extreme poverty. For many of its residents, migration is the only solution. Since 2013, we have been working together with ACCSS in the care of migrants and returnees in Ixcán, and in the promotion of alternatives to migration. This project will end in 2024.

In workshops, the young people are shown prospects for a place to stay (Photo: AWO International)

Central AmericaNicaragua

Youth work for the creation of perspectives for staying in the country

Migration from Nicaragua has increased sharply as a result of the domestic political crisis since April 2018. Our partner organization CANTERA is committed to secure and enlightened migration. In addition, it points out perspectives for staying in Nicaragua by working out life plans for young people and young adults with psychologists and showing them future perspectives through income-generating measures.

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.

Migrants in transit are provided with a warm meal by the hostel La Sagrada Familia (Photo: UMUN)

Central AmericaMexico

Strategies for the protection of migrants

Mexico experiences the entire migration cycle: Every year about 450,000 migrants from Central America cross the country, many of them staying in the country. But thousands of Mexicans are also on their way themselves. But migration harbours many dangers. Together with our partner organization UMUN, we are carrying out a project to reduce risks.

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.

Two women are filling a sack with corn and laughing.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Good harvest despite climate crisis

Climate change is threatening the livelihoods of people in Guatemala's 'dry corridor'. Together with our partner organisation Utz Che', we are strengthening disaster response, promoting sustainable farming methods and supporting local income development, particularly for indigenous women.

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.

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.

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.