Palenque Meeting: For a Fraternal Region and Well-being
Palenque Meeting: For a Fraternal Region and Well-being. Image Credit: Presidencia de Mexico.
Ecuentro Palenque Mexico

Palenque Meeting: For a Fraternal Region and Well-being

Soledad Quartucci

Palenque Meeting: For a Fraternal Region and Well-being

Alicia Bárcena informs the accomplishments of the Encuentro Palenque, “Por una Vecindad Fraterna y con Bienestar.” Latin American and Caribbean leaders convene in Palenque to collaborate on humane solutions to the regional migration crisis. 

In a statement released on October 22 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra elucidated the accomplishments of the Palenque Meeting: “Por una Vecindad Fraterna y con Bienestar.”

The meeting’s primary objective was to foster collaboration with regional leaders towards a humane and development-oriented agenda to address the migration crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chancellor Alicia Bárcena Ibarra expressed her gratitude to the ministers and high-ranking officials of the participating countries.

 

 

The statement, adopted by the Heads of State and Government and Delegation of Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela during the meeting in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico on October 22, 2023, addressed the following key points:

  • Acknowledged that political, economic, social, and climate change-related factors constitute the primary structural causes of migration.
  • Recognized that unilateral coercive measures negatively impact entire populations and vulnerable individuals and communities.
  • Emphasized the importance of approaching migration through a human rights lens, stressing shared responsibility and cooperation between countries of origin, transit, destination, and return.

Based on these considerations, the participants agreed on the Palenque Declaration:

  1. Develop an action plan for development that addresses the root causes of irregular migration in the region, focusing on priority objectives tailored to each country’s unique circumstances. The following priority areas were agreed: Self-sufficiency and food sovereignty with the recovery of the agricultural sector. Protection, conservation and restoration of the environment. Decent employment, education and development of technical and technological capabilities. Energy security, including renewable energy and progress towards decarbonization. Health self-sufficiency. Intraregional trade and investment for socioeconomic development. Combat transnational organized crime, human trafficking, corruption, and promoting security cooperation.
  2. Promote intraregional trade in essential goods and services, advocating for tariff preferences, quotas, and the removal of non-tariff barriers.
  3. Urged the elimination of unilateral coercive measures imposed on countries in the region and emphasized that such measures violate international law.
  4. Encouraged countries to implement comprehensive migration policies that respect the human right to migrate, protect the well-being and dignity of migrants and their families, and facilitate permanent regularization options.
  5. Called for destination countries to adopt immigration policies that align with the region’s current reality, moving away from selective and arbitrary measures.
  6. Committed to supporting Haiti in achieving human security, political and economic stability, and sustainable development.
  7. Proposed reevaluating the international financial architecture of sovereign debt to allow middle-income countries to enhance development, reduce social disparities, and discourage migration.
  8. Encouraged destination countries to expand regular, safe, and orderly migration routes, particularly for labor mobility, and promote the reintegration and return of temporary workers.
  9. Advocated for comprehensive dialogues on bilateral relations between countries of origin, transit, destination, and return.
  10. Strengthened cooperation with international organizations to assist individuals with special protection needs, particularly women, girls, and boys.
  11. Deepened South-South and triangular cooperation to strengthen migration policies with a human rights perspective, focusing on safe transit and combating illicit activities.
  12. Committed to ongoing high-level dialogue on these issues through a working group composed of foreign ministries.
  13. Agreed to integrate these agreements into the High-Level Meeting on Migration and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, proposed by Colombia and Mexico for the first quarter of 2024.

Moreover, they put forth the idea of launching an extensive dialogue between the governments of Cuba and the United States in the coming months.

Mexico is ready to extend its support and provide technical assistance to the nations assembled, offering the following programs: “Sembrando Vida” (Sowing Life), “Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro” (Youth Building the Future), collaboration in the fields of oil, gas, electricity, and renewable energy, as well as the establishment of a regulatory harmonization platform for the establishment of a pharmaceutical agency for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Encuentro de Palenque

Commenting on the meeting, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador highlighted the meeting as “very fruitful.” The Mexican leader posted a video on his social media channel “X” where he detailed why hosting the  meeting to address migration challenges was urgent:

 

 

“We are delighted to welcome you here today. This gathering holds immense significance for us, as it embodies our vision of fostering a neighborly spirit and promoting well-being. It is of paramount importance because it necessitates our collective efforts, determination, and resources to address the complex issue of migration.

This endeavor is grounded in a profound humanitarian concern, stemming from the severe lack of opportunities, including unemployment and the absence of prosperity, compounded by external restrictions and decisions. We are resolute in our commitment to addressing these pressing needs.

In recent times, we have observed a notable surge in migratory movements. As you are aware, our country plays a pivotal role as a destination for numerous migrants traversing our territory, entering through the southern border, with aspirations of reaching the northern border.

While we offer support to migrants, there exist substantial perils along their journey northward. Collaborative strides have been taken with the United States government.

 

“However, it is disheartening that a disproportionate amount of resources are channeled into arms production for conflicts compared to the resources allocated for development cooperation.

We cannot afford to wait for the United States government to take substantive action. We must take initiative ourselves, as we are fully capable of making a difference. Our objective for this meeting is to forge an agreement to work together, extending our support and cooperation in addressing the root causes,” Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

 

 

We are already engaged in aiding and standing in solidarity with certain nations. Our assessments have shown that individuals who contemplate emigrating do so out of necessity rather than choice. It is our aim to establish concrete commitments that transcend mere protocols and ceremonial gatherings, ensuring the formulation of specific, tangible agreements,” announced Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Foreign Ministers’ Perspectives

Chancellor Bárcena Ibarra invited foreign ministers to share their thoughts and contributions to the Palenque Statement.

Vice President of Costa Rica, Mary Munive

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation for President Manuel López Obrador’s initiative to convene this meeting, allowing us to come together to address, coordinate, and engage in a dialogue aimed at finding collective solutions for a regional challenge. Our aim is to work collaboratively with the various nations that constitute this region.

 

 

This is not merely a step forward for us but a meaningful endeavor, especially considering that we, as a nation, also grapple with this regional issue. We are accustomed to providing shelter for migrants in transit, treating them as our own. We hope to continue our collaborative efforts with other nations in pursuit of sustainable, long-term solutions.

We express our gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by this beautiful country and look forward to continuing such cooperative initiatives together.”

Vice President of El Salvador, Félix Ulloa:

“We have gathered here with fellow nations in response to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s invitation, along with Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena, with the intent to sign the Palenque Declaration. This declaration, endorsed by heads of State, Government, and Mission, is poised to usher in a significant shift in migration-related policies, particularly addressing forced migration.

 

 

We have all witnessed the harrowing stories of migrant families, especially those with minors, which have garnered media attention. El Salvador, as a nation, acknowledges its responsibility in addressing the root causes of migration within our borders. When President Bukele took office, our country faced the daunting reality of approximately three hundred Salvadorans leaving daily, predominantly from rural areas. This was exacerbated by the scourge of gang violence, which ravaged our communities.

We have tackled these two underlying causes by initiating productive projects, particularly in the agricultural sector, where most of our emigrants originate. Additionally, our Territorial Control Plan has successfully removed members of criminal organizations from our streets, cleansing our communities. El Salvador, once known for having the world’s highest homicide rate, has now gone over 423 days without a single homicide.

This is evident from the return of migrants from Mexico, where recent returnees have included as few as 30 Salvadorans. We no longer feature among the top ten countries expelling forced and irregular migrants. Thus, we have shared our experiences with other participating nations at this meeting and extend our gratitude to the Mexican government for their invaluable cooperation in the region.

Two significant programs, the Sembrando Vida Program for rural-agricultural areas and the Jovenes Construyendo el Futuro program, have played a vital role in providing opportunities to the most vulnerable sectors considering migration. These include people from rural backgrounds and young individuals who previously had limited prospects in our countries. We thank Mexico, its government, and its people for their solidarity. Palenque signifies the starting point for a fresh immigration policy.”

Foreign Minister of Panama, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo:

“On behalf of President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, I, as the Foreign Minister, convey our heartfelt appreciation to the Mexican people and government for their exemplary leadership and organization of this pivotal meeting. This gathering holds immense significance for us.

 

 

Panama has received a staggering 445,000 migrants passing through the Darién jungle, a UNESCO declared heritage site to date. Today, we aspire and hope that the coordination and open dialogue among all countries, which was much needed, will result in tangible measures and a long-term, strategic approach to addressing the migration crisis. We aim to focus not only on addressing immediate challenges but also on the root causes of migration.

Panama stands in support of Chancellor Bárcena and President López Obrador, thanking them for their excellent coordination and extending our congratulations.”

Foreign Minister of Colombia, Álvaro Leyva Durán:

“It appears that we’ve covered most of the important aspects, and the approved document speaks for itself. While such documents typically end up as mere presentations following multinational events, we cannot allow that to happen in this case. Therefore, we plan to advance certain initiatives, individually yet collectively.

I’ve already discussed with the Panamanian Chancellor the idea that the Darién Gap is a living entity with rights much like people. Panama has an advantage here as it has received recognition by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Colombia must extend its park northward and collectively signal to the world that what’s commonly referred to as ‘the jungle’ is our shared entity. We must protect it from the criminal activities, violence, and atrocities that afflict migrants and, in particular, children.

 

 

It is essential to address the origins of migration, the journey in between, and the reasons why people head to particular destinations. We must analyze these three phases collectively, especially in light of the events in Venezuela.

When President Petro assumed office, Colombia had almost no relations with Venezuela due to previous policies. Yet, look at the transformation in Venezuela over the last year and a half with President Maduro participating in this integrated conference.

Another vital issue is Haiti. I’ve already arranged to visit Haiti in November to express solidarity, recognize our shared history, and provide support. Haiti is deeply significant to us, and we will embrace and protect it.

With everything else already articulated in the approved document, I wholeheartedly support it. I thank President López Obrador, the Chancellor, and the nations for their collaboration.”

Chancellor of Honduras, Eduardo Enrique Reina García:

“On behalf of President Xiomara Castro and Honduras, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for this remarkable initiative. I also want to thank Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena.

This initiative stands out because it addresses the countries that are directly impacted by migration, the ones suffering from its consequences and the nations whose policies trigger significant migratory flows. In the case of Honduras, the number of daily migrants has grown from 300 to 3,000 people of various nationalities, with over 300,000 individuals crossing Honduras in the past year.

 

 

This initiative is essential as it brings together countries like Venezuela, whose conversations with the United States have shown promise in mitigating problems stemming from unilateral measures and blockades, as the declaration emphasizes. It also covers other critical issues, including the situation in Cuba and Haiti. It provides a comprehensive perspective on the migration problem.

President Castro recently visited the southern U.S. border, and her concern over this issue, especially regarding children migrants who constitute a significant portion of the flows, underscores its gravity. She has committed to making this issue a top priority during Honduras’ presidency of CELAC and SICA.

Once again, I want to express our gratitude to Mexico, especially Palenque, for their hospitality and the significant decisions outlined in the statement. These steps will address both the immediate consequences and the underlying causes, particularly related to agricultural development, food security, and the overall development of our nations.”

Chancellor of Venezuela, Yván Eduardo Gil Pinto:

“I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the United Mexican States, its Chancellor, and its President for their remarkable efforts in convening this discussion. Today, we have witnessed a turning point in addressing the pressing issue of migration in Latin America.

Migration should be handled properly, respecting international law and human rights, rather than being exploited for political purposes. The declaration we have committed to today marks a significant step forward.

One key aspect is to work on addressing the root causes of irregular migration in Latin America and the Caribbean. The support for condemning unilateral coercive measures has been highlighted as these measures generate irregular migration.

 

 

The declaration also emphasizes the importance of treating migrants with dignity, in compliance with human rights. Moreover, it addresses the commercialization of migration, which criminal gangs and organizations have exploited for profit.

Today, our presidents, leaders, and heads of state have taken a crucial step away from the politicization of migration and toward addressing the causes, consequences, and effects while protecting our migrants in Latin America. This marks the beginning of a robust agenda, focusing on causes and serving the migrants moving throughout the Americas.

Migration has presented challenges for our countries and host countries, primarily the United States. The declaration also calls for host countries to develop more coherent and consistent migration policies, considering the rights of migrants.

Once again, I express my gratitude to Chancellor and President López Obrador, Mexico, and my colleagues, and I congratulate our leaders for their dedicated efforts throughout the day.”

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez:

“We extend President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s acknowledgment, which I wish to reaffirm here, to the Government of Mexico, President López Obrador, and Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena for their commendable initiative and dedication in orchestrating this event.

One of the outstanding merits of this gathering has been the opportunity to discover a shared understanding between our governments regarding issues that are universal but manifest in unique ways in each of our countries.

The statement adopted and presented by the Chancellor reflects this shared empathy, involving a deep analysis of the root causes, the prevailing conditions, and the necessary measures to be taken. These shared sentiments have also been echoed in the statements made by other foreign ministers.

In Cuba’s case, where migration significantly impacts the region, our president has emphasized that, alongside the natural factors underlying emigration and the regional migration toward the United States, there exist extraordinary, almost artificial elements influencing this migration.

First and foremost, the economic blockade, in place for over six decades, stands as a policy explicitly designed to foster economic hardships, generate poverty, induce hunger, and provoke political change. Consequently, it serves as a significant impetus for emigration, motivating people to seek refuge elsewhere.

The second factor involves an active policy encouraging Cuban emigration through irregular channels. This policy extends a distinct privilege to Cuban migrants at the United States border for political reasons. If a Cuban migrant claims to have a credible fear of returning to their country of origin at the border, their chances of being admitted into the United States are significantly higher compared to migrants from other nations.

The third factor is the existence of a unique law specifically tailored to Cuba in the United States, known as the Cuban Adjustment Act, granting Cuban migrants the exceptional privilege of normalizing their residency status and achieving permanent resident status within one year of entering the United States. This is a privilege not extended to immigrants from any other country.

These three factors, as we have endeavored to convey, constitute extraordinary and artificial incentives for Cuban emigration. The resolution of this issue rests in the hands of the United States, and if it is genuinely interested in resolving the problem, we are prepared to accept the region’s invitation to engage in comprehensive discussions on the bilateral relationship between our two countries.”

Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Cordel Hyde:

“I would like to express our gratitude to President López Obrador and his team for orchestrating this Summit. For us, participating in this event is not only a moral obligation but also an opportunity to collectively address the challenges we face.

The most crucial aspect of our endeavor is to tackle these issues together, with unity, coordination, and collaboration. Historically, dealing with problems individually has proven insufficient to achieve our goals. However, by working in unison, harnessing our resources, talents, capabilities, and energies, we can effectively resolve any regional challenges.

Our regional issues necessitate regional solutions, and that’s why we deeply appreciate President AMLO’s leadership, generosity, and commitment to fostering collaboration, enabling us to confront these issues honestly, openly, and head-on. While we may bring unique and practical solutions to the table, it is our spirit of unity and working together that will chart our path to a brighter future.”

Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry:

“It is my pleasure and honor to participate in this discussion on migration, a concern that profoundly affects our entire region.

In Haiti, the issues of poverty and insecurity are significant drivers of migration. These challenges resonate deeply with us, and we recognize the shared nature of the problem. We must collaborate collectively to identify solutions to this complex issue.

We extend our congratulations to President Obrador for leading this initiative. We believe it marks the initial step in a journey of continued cooperation and work to find lasting solutions. We are sincerely grateful to the Chancellor for her invitation and assure her of our readiness to continue this collaborative effort.”

See Also:

Presidente Plantea Crear Oportunidades

Presidente Encabeza Encuentro de Palenque 

Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic

Latina Republic is dedicated to promoting regional understanding through compelling narratives, articles, interviews, and reports that emanate from the heart of the Americas. Our foremost goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue by illuminating local viewpoints frequently overshadowed by mainstream media. Our mission is to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional issues, thus empowering them in their efforts. We are committed to portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America, while also chronicling the progression of social movements and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change.

 

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