South American nations reaffirm their commitment to integrating migrants, demonstrating a strategic, albeit incremental, approach to regional stability and bolstering their economies – a process heavily influenced by demographic pressures and climate vulnerabilities.
The air in the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, November 18th and 19th, 2025, hung thick with the measured urgency of diplomats. The XXIII South American Conference on Migration (CSM), marking 25 years of the forum, underscored a continuing, if occasionally disjointed, effort to manage one of the region’s most pressing challenges: the movement of people across borders. This conference, convened by Brazil, highlighted a core commitment – “Protecting and Integrating Migrants in Our Region” – a phrasing revealing a recognition of both the humanitarian and economic implications of large-scale migration within South America. The underlying issue extends far beyond simply border security; it’s fundamentally about the future stability and developmental trajectory of a region grappling with internal displacement, economic disparities, and the intensifying effects of climate change. The ability of these nations to effectively address migration will critically impact broader alliances and security dynamics throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The CSM’s mandate, formalized through the South American Plan for Migration towards Integration 2035, reflects a concerted – though often slow – effort to create a unified response. The Plan’s core pillars focus on integrating migrants into labor markets, educational systems, and social structures. Key to this is recognizing that migration flows are, in many cases, driven by factors outside national control – specifically, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and political instability – which demands a regional, rather than solely national, approach. “Migration is not merely a security issue; it is a human issue that demands a nuanced and comprehensive strategy,” stated Dr. Isabella Ramirez, Senior Research Fellow at the Latin American Institute for Strategic Studies, in a recent interview. “The CSM’s efforts, while hampered by jurisdictional complexities, represent a vital step towards building a more resilient and inclusive South America.”
Historically, migration within South America has been shaped by cycles of economic boom and bust, alongside factors like civil conflict and environmental crises. The Treaty of Mayence (1992), while primarily focused on trade, implicitly acknowledged the movement of labor as an integral component of regional integration. More recently, the rise of climate change impacts – particularly in countries like Bolivia and Ecuador – has dramatically increased migration flows, putting immense pressure on receiving states. The Conference’s focus on disaster management and climate adaptation signals a belated, but necessary, recognition of this growing influence. The legacy of the Falklands War (1982) and subsequent security anxieties has, arguably, shaped border management approaches, often prioritizing control over integration. Furthermore, the ongoing economic challenges facing Venezuela and Haiti have driven significant refugee outflows, exacerbating existing tensions and complicating the CSM’s work.
The key stakeholders in this complex system are numerous. Brazil, as the current host, wields considerable influence due to its economic size and geographic position. Colombia, a major transit country, faces immense pressure from both internal displacement and international migration. Argentina, with its own history of significant migration, also plays a critical role. Beyond national governments, organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Regional Platform against Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (PRETT) act as crucial facilitators. “The CSM isn’t a decision-making body in itself,” explains Professor David Chen of Columbia University’s International Migration Institute. “It’s a convening platform, a mechanism for coordinating policies and sharing best practices. The real power lies in the implementation of the Plan’s commitments.” Data from the South American Observatory on Migration (OSUMI) reveals a significant disparity in integration rates across the participating countries – a persistent challenge that highlights the unevenness of the region’s progress.
Recent developments over the past six months paint a mixed picture. While the 2025-2026 Plans for the five Networks of the South American Plan are nearing completion – a significant milestone – implementation lags remain. The ongoing political instability in Ecuador and the renewed surge in Venezuelan migration have strained resources and created challenges for coordination. Furthermore, disputes over maritime borders between Chile and Argentina continue to complicate migration flows and heighten regional tensions. The CSM’s focus on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling remains a critical priority, but enforcement efforts are often hampered by a lack of resources and jurisdictional disputes. The recent expansion of PRETT’s remit to include climate-induced displacement marks a welcome, albeit belated, acknowledgement of the growing environmental dimension to migration.
Looking ahead, the short-term (next 6 months) likely will see continued refinement of the 2025-2026 Plans, with a heightened emphasis on monitoring and evaluation. The South American Observatory on Migration (OSUMI) is expected to play a more central role in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. Long-term (5-10 years), the CSM’s success will depend on the ability of its member states to overcome their internal challenges and deepen their regional cooperation. A key factor will be the level of investment in integration programs, as well as the development of more robust legal frameworks for protecting migrant rights. However, the evolving geopolitical landscape, including the potential for increased US involvement in the region and the ongoing rise of China’s influence, could significantly impact the CSM’s trajectory.
The XXIII South American Conference on Migration represents a pivotal moment in the region’s approach to migration. While the commitment to integration is laudable, the ultimate test will be whether these nations can translate rhetoric into tangible action – fostering a region where migration is viewed not as a problem to be contained, but as an opportunity to be harnessed for the benefit of all. The question remains: can South America forge a truly integrated and resilient future, or will the challenges of migration continue to undermine regional stability and prosperity? Let the debate begin.