Strengthening Democracy in Central America and Addressing Root Causes of Migration at Central American Integration System Meeting

Office of the Spokesperson

Secretary Antony J. Blinken is traveling to Central America on June 1-2, 2021 to engage with leaders from the region at a meeting of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in San Jose, Costa Rica.  In its current role as chair of SICA, Costa Rica is inviting senior leaders from Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, as well as Mexico, for this meeting.  They will discuss a collaborative approach to the shared regional challenge of irregular migration and promoting democracy, human rights, prosperity, and rule of law.

Regional Cooperation

• We increasingly face common challenges requiring collaborative solutions. It is imperative that we work together to promote democracy and good governance, respect for human rights, security, prosperity, and good environmental stewardship.  We must reduce inequality, violations and abuses of human rights, and gender-based violence.
• Democratic governance and institutions are vital for achieving a more secure and prosperous Central America. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of InterAmerican Democratic Charter, it is an opportune time to reaffirm our collective commitment to the integrity and institutions of our democracies.
• President Biden has announced a comprehensive collaborative approach that includes a multi-year, $4 billion plan to address the root causes of irregular migration in North and Central America.
• In April, Vice President Harris announced $310 million in U.S. funding to address food insecurity, provide life-saving assistance, and support protection for vulnerable people in communities throughout the region. This includes $255 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to immediate needs.
• S. funding protects and assists vulnerable migrants, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and refugees. Our funding includes more than $28 million for programs inside Costa Rica, including those displaced by the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.  We encourage other regional partners to reinforce U.S. efforts to improve access to international protection.
• In her role addressing the causes of migration with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as with Mexico, Vice President Kamala Harris last month announced a Call to Action for businesses and social enterprises to make new, significant commitments to help send a signal of hope to the people of the region and sustainably address the root causes of migration by promoting economic opportunity. As part of this Call to Action launch, 12 companies and organizations announced commitments to support inclusive economic development in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, including: Accion, Bancolombia, Chobani, Davivienda, Duolingo, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nespresso, Pro Mujer, the Tent Partnership for Refugees, and the World Economic Forum.