Despite important human rights achievements, particularly in legislation and institutional capacity, high levels of insecurity and violence persist in the Northern Triangle of the Central America region (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras), as well as in Mexico and Nicaragua, as a consequence of organized crime, drug-trafficking, corruption, impunity, and deteriorating social and economic conditions.  This situation has prompted increased irregular migration, including unaccompanied minors, within the region and to the United States and Mexico.  In their journey they are often subject to human rights violations due to inadequate government protection systems.   

USAID’s Regional Human Rights and Democracy project helps protect human rights for the most vulnerable populations, including children; youth; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons; and people with disabilities.  The project also facilitates coordination and strategic alliances among agencies that form part of the human rights protection systems in the region.  Likewise, the project will help improve the operating environment and public policies, so that human rights defenders, media, civil society organizations and other individuals can promote and defend human rights without fear of violence or retaliation, to which they are currently exposed. 

The project includes the design and operation of early alert systems and protection of the rights of internally displaced populations and migrants.  In addition, the project will establish a specialized curricula in human rights for teachers and the dissemination of best practices, methodologies, and research data for more effective public policies at the national and regional level.  The project will facilitate exchanges and regional forums among legislators and civil society as well as a grant fund for innovative human rights initiatives.