Central America and Mexico: EU reaffirms support with €11 million in humanitarian aid

The EU has announced today the release of €11 million in humanitarian aid for Central America and Mexico on the occasion of the “High-level Solidarity Roundtable in support of the 2023 Northern Central America Humanitarian Response Plans”, which took place in Geneva.

The funding will focus on:

• €3.5 million will support the addressing of the humanitarian consequences of violence, including displacement, and food insecurity issues
• €3 million will focus on education in emergencies
• €4.5 million will support the implementation of disaster preparedness activities.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: "Displacement, food insecurity, conflict and the impact of climate shocks are only some of the dire issues heavily affecting vulnerable people in Central America, Mexico and the sub-region. The EU reaffirms its commitment to support those in need through this funding that will address their most urgent needs and also help reinforce local capacities of vulnerable communities throughout Central America and Mexico."

Background

Central America and Mexico are exposed to natural hazards, epidemics, social unrest, pervasive violence, chronic poverty and inequality.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflation resulting from the Russian war against Ukraine is augmenting the socio-economic vulnerability, eroding coping capacities and deepening structural inequalities.

This situation results in more displacement, food insecurity and protection risks and is further exacerbated by urban violence due to ongoing conflicts between armed groups and State response.

The sub-region is also a transit hotspot and destination area for migrants and people on the move, crossing into Panama via the dangerous Darien gap, on their way to the US border.

The shrinking humanitarian space is generating more asylum seekers and refugees and in the Dry Corridor, underserved rural communities and ethnic minorities bear the humanitarian consequences of frequent climate shocks.

Since 1994, the EU has allocated €322 million in humanitarian aid to Central America and Mexico.

Part of this funding has helped respond to emergencies such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, epidemics, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, internal displacement, and violence. The remaining funding helped vulnerable communities build resilience to face future disasters.