Foreign Ministry Unveils Inaugural “Protocol for Locating Missing Migrants”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced the release of the first-ever “Protocol for Locating Missing Migrants,” a pivotal initiative aimed at tackling the challenges of forced migration.
Antonio García, Vice Minister for Consular and Migration Affairs, outlined that since 2022, the Foreign Ministry has been dedicated to providing assistance to the families of missing individuals. Collaborating with the Directorate of Migrant Protection, the ministry developed the protocol to streamline the search and identification process for these individuals.
“This endeavor stands as a collaborative effort among public and private institutions, along with non-governmental organizations, rallying under a humanitarian ethos. The proactive engagement of all these stakeholders is indispensable for executing a thorough and coordinated search,” emphasized Deputy Minister García.
A notable feature of this protocol is the technical assistance offered by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), providing guidance and support throughout the search and monitoring endeavors.
“We acknowledge the pivotal role of families in this endeavor and recognize that the search transcends the borders of Honduras. As such, this protocol will address cases of missing migrants both domestically and internationally, with a particular emphasis on cooperation with Mexico and Guatemala,” highlighted the official.
Deputy Minister García revealed that the database currently comprises 362 active cases and 92 closed cases. Each case represents a human narrative and shared anguish among affected families.
Meanwhile, Guela Sekhniachvili, Head of Mission in Honduras for the ICRC, underscored the significance of this initiative as a roadmap for identifying missing migrants and providing solace to impacted families. “With its humanitarian and comprehensive approach, this protocol pledges to effectively address this pressing issue,” she affirmed.
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.
