Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, participated in the high-level Ministerial Meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees, held in Santiago, Chile, on December 11th and 12th. The meeting, known as Cartagena+40, brought together 23 countries and one territory (the British Virgin Islands) from Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss and strengthen the region’s policies on refugee protection, displacement, and statelessness.
During the meeting, participants endorsed the Chile Declaration and Plan of Action 2024–2034, a comprehensive document that outlines the key conclusions and recommendations for advancing the reception, integration, and support of refugees and displaced persons over the next decade. The Chile Declaration aims to enhance regional cooperation and establish a coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by those in forced displacement.
A Milestone in Refugee Protection
The Cartagena Declaration, adopted in 1984 at the Conference on Central American and Caribbean Refugees, has been instrumental in shaping the framework for refugee protection across the region. Its adoption marked a significant expansion of the protection granted to refugees, recognizing not only traditional refugee categories but also persons who are displaced due to generalized violence, armed conflict, and human rights violations.
Since its adoption, the Declaration has undergone periodic follow-up processes, with countries taking turns leading these efforts. Brazil hosted the Cartagena+30 process from 2014 to 2023, contributing significantly to the region’s collaborative strategies on refugee and migrant protection.
The Cartagena Declaration’s long-term influence has led to the development of robust legal frameworks and practices in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that countries across the region uphold the international protection of refugees in line with global human rights standards.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The Chile Declaration and Plan of Action 2024–2034 outlines a renewed commitment to inclusive and comprehensive refugee policies in the region. The document emphasizes the importance of ensuring the human rights of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless people. It also advocates for strengthening national asylum systems, improving access to basic services such as health and education, and promoting the social and economic integration of refugees into host communities.
Minister Mauro Vieira, in his statement at the meeting, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to the principles of the Cartagena Declaration. He highlighted Brazil’s role in regional efforts to protect and assist refugees, noting that Brazil has long been a leader in promoting inclusive policies that respect the rights of refugees and displaced persons.
“Brazil continues to advocate for a comprehensive approach to refugee protection, recognizing that this issue requires collaborative, multi-dimensional strategies. Our commitment to upholding the international protection of all individuals in situations of forced displacement remains unwavering,” Minister Vieira said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Chile and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for their leadership in organizing the Cartagena+40 event, which marked a significant moment in advancing refugee protection and human rights in the region.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The Cartagena+40 meeting was a reflection of the region’s ongoing commitment to providing protection for refugees in a context of increasing displacement due to conflicts, environmental disasters, and socio-political instability. In line with the spirit of the Cartagena Declaration, participants pledged to continue working together to provide a safe and welcoming environment for displaced persons while respecting their rights and dignity.
Brazil, with its long history of hosting refugees and migrants, remains committed to the shared goals outlined in the Chile Declaration. The country has consistently prioritized international cooperation and multilateralism as key drivers for addressing global refugee crises and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations.
Looking Ahead
As the Cartagena Declaration celebrates its 40th anniversary, the commitment to protecting refugees in Latin America and the Caribbean is stronger than ever. The Chile Declaration and Plan of Action 2024–2034 offers a roadmap for regional cooperation that will guide actions in the coming decade, ensuring that refugees and displaced people across the region receive the support, protection, and opportunities they deserve.
The Ministerial Meeting in Santiago has set the stage for renewed regional solidarity and collective action to protect the rights of refugees, support the socio-economic integration of displaced populations, and build a more inclusive and secure future for all.