The main objective of the conference is to consolidate and promote regional alliances to agree on a comprehensive and operational response that expands the protection of the people affected and promotes durable solutions, counteracting the cycle of forced displacement in the region.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras, October 26, 2017 – The International Scalabrini Migration Network (SIMN) participates in the Regional Conference of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on the Regional Integral Framework for Protection and Solutions (MIRPS by its Spanish acronym) on October 26, 2017. Organized by the Honduran Government, the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Regional Conference forms part of a number of existing regional and global processes to address issues of protection and solutions to forced displacement, in preparation for the Global Compact for Refugees, to be approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.
The Regional Integral Framework for Protection aims to foster new initiatives and operationalize existing commitments to address situations of displacement from a regional perspective, incorporating countries of origin, destination and transit, as well as a wide range of regional and international actors.
The event analyzes the challenges of forced displacement and opportunities to counteract it, as well as the commitments and proposals for solutions presented by each country to implement in the medium and long-term. Governments of the countries of Central and North America, along with other cooperating countries, regional and international organizations, including humanitarian and development agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector are participating in the Conference.
“With our presence as the International Scalabrini Migration Network and also on behalf of the CLAMOR Network of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), we want to renew our commitment to strengthen mechanisms of shared responsibility with international organizations, governmental entities and organizations of civil society in implementing protection measures and durable solutions for refugees and asylum seekers, in harmony with the four verbs that Pope Francis proposes for the care of refugees and migrants: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate”, says Fr. Leonir Chiarello, Executive Director of SIMN.
About SIMN – SIMN is supporting more than 250 Scalabrinian centers, shelters and programs that are providing lodging, food, training and employment programs; psychological and religious services; protection to victims of human trafficking and support in the integration process to migrants, refugees and seafarers in five continents. In 2016, for example, Scalabrinian Centers has supported 120,738 migrants and refugees and 172,790 seafarers around the world. SIMN is also supporting a network of schools providing education, school supplies, and food, (possibly their only meal of the day) to thousands of needy children. In addition, SIMN is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS) and from this perspective is providing research and support for regional and global policies to protect and promote the dignity and the rights of migrants and their families.