El Salvador actively participated in the Cartagena +40 Ministerial Meeting, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Cartagena Declaration on Refugees. This significant event examined progress, challenges, and strategies for ensuring international protection and effective integration of displaced persons, asylum seekers, and refugees.

Speaking at the meeting, Cindy Mariella Portal, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility, emphasized the critical juncture humanity faces regarding global mobility. “International protection is an essential human right and a shared global responsibility. El Salvador has embarked on a transformation prioritizing life, security, opportunity creation, and social cohesion, signaling a new chapter in our history,” she stated.

Portal highlighted the inclusive dialogue fostered by Cartagena +40, which renews commitments to addressing displacement challenges. These efforts include incorporating goals in the Chile Action Plan (2024–2034), aligning with the Global Compact on Refugees, and strengthening international protection mechanisms.

El Salvador, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, has taken tangible steps to support those seeking refuge. The country has advanced protocols for asylum seekers and refugees through its Refugee Status Determination Commission (CODER). A new CODER facility, designed to enhance services for vulnerable individuals, was recently inaugurated, alongside the development of a digital system to expedite asylum processing.

During the event, Vice Minister Portal reaffirmed El Salvador’s dedication to protecting displaced individuals, underscoring a rights-based approach. “Our goal is to provide safety and opportunities for all our people,” she remarked.

In addition to the ministerial meeting, Portal met with Salvadoran expatriates in Chile to strengthen ties with the diaspora. She praised their cultural contributions and solidarity, particularly their recent support for compatriots affected by natural disasters. “Your actions exemplify the enduring strength of our shared identity and unity,” she noted.

The Cartagena +40 event was led by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, and other regional leaders, underscoring a collective commitment to addressing global mobility challenges.