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Ocotepeque, on the western edge of Honduras, is a critical border point for refugees and migrants in mixed movements, including people in need of international protection. UNHCR conducts border monitoring and provides protection services in key communities along the border.
Due to the unprecedented numbers of people in mixed movements there is an increased need for basic services for people in mixed movements. Needs include protection information, WASH, health, food and shelter services. Hondurans who have been forcibly displaced also have unmet basic needs.
The situation at the western border is likely to evolve with continued regional migration shifts. UNHCR will continue to maintain an active field presence and coordination leadership to support people in mixed movements, addressing both immediate needs and longer-term protection challenges.
Context
UNHCR's Field Unit in Ocotepeque covers three departments that border El Salvador and Guatemala: Copán, Lempira, and Ocotepeque. According to UNHCR's monitoring, an average of 15,000 people in mixed movements leave weekly through regular and irregular border points, such as Agua Caliente and El Florido. Some of these individuals are choosing to seek international protection in Honduras rather than continue to the north. To achieve this goal, UNHCR supports the relevant authorities to facilitate access to international protection for those in need. Additionally, these departments also receive forcibly displaced people who are escaping violent situations in other parts of the country.