The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by the European Union (EU), has unveiled the National Implementation Plan for the Global Compact for Migration. This initiative is part of the Partnerships for Migration Project under the United Nations Network on Migration.
At the launch event, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal, emphasized the plan as a crucial roadmap for enhancing comprehensive migration governance. She highlighted its focus on all aspects of the migration cycle: origin, transit, destination, and return.
Portal also referenced the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism on Human Mobility a year ago, which aligns with President Nayib Bukele’s vision of strengthening inter-institutional dialogue and coordination to effectively address migrant challenges. As a Champion Country of the Global Compact for Migration, El Salvador remains at the forefront of implementing its 23 objectives aimed at reducing migrant risks and vulnerabilities.
Developing the National Plan involved extensive efforts, including interviews, consultations, workshops, and follow-up meetings. Portal expressed pride in El Salvador being the first country in the hemisphere to develop such a tool, and extended an offer to share this experience with other nations through South-South or Triangular cooperation.
Raúl Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator in El Salvador, underscored the significance of the Global Compact for Migration and the UN’s comprehensive approach to migration, reflected in their support for strengthening the government’s and other key stakeholders’ capacities in migration management.
Borja García, the EU’s Chargé d’Affaires, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to enhancing national capabilities in human mobility, contributing over USD$6 million through the Partnerships for Migration Project over the past three years.
The event also featured Nicola Graviano, IOM Chief of Mission for El Salvador, alongside government and private sector representatives.