Mexico and Central America

Overview

Every year at least one million people migrate across national borders in Mexico and Central America, deeply affecting the region in every aspect of life.

The Regional Context

While migration provides opportunities for social mobility and confers benefits to communities, it also exposes migrants to vulnerabilities including human rights abuses (particularly among women), family separation, and increased exposure to HIV/AIDS and other diseases. In addition, rapid out-migration poses significant challenges to local institutions, land tenure and land use.

This mass mobilization is a direct result of the deep-rooted exclusion and poverty in the countries where we work. National and international institutions and policies have failed to create conditions that allow all members of society to access opportunities, services and resources. Among those most affected are indigenous and Afro-descendant people, women, migrants and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Our Goal

The goal of our work is to address the challenges related to migration and reduce deep-rooted exclusion in the region.

Solving the structural problems that expel people from their places of origin has the potential to make migration an option rather than a necessity.

What We're Doing

We pursue efforts to make migration safer, develop alternative approaches to restrictive policies and maximize positive aspects of migration.

Our grant making promotes inclusion and diversity by helping excluded groups increase control over their destinies and achieve social change. We believe that strengthened leadership, increased organizational capacity, and the ability to effectively control their ancestral territories are important pathways to reduce exclusion and consolidate democracy in the region.

To address the complexities of regional migration, we engage a wide range of civil society actors, academia, as well as government and other funders.

Our grant making in the region is pursued through the following initiatives.

Issue	Initiative
Democratic and Accountable Government	Promoting Transparent, Effective and Accountable Government
Human Rights	Protecting Immigrant and Migrant Rights Reducing HIV/AIDS Discrimination and Exclusion
Economic Fairness	Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Households
Sustainable Development	Expanding Community Rights Over Natural Resources
Freedom of Expression	Supporting Diverse Arts Spaces
Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights	Promoting Reproductive Rights and the Right to Sexual Health

From the Newsroom

In the Headlines: In Guatemala, Strengthening Communities and the Economy Ford grantee is recognized for contributing to the country’s economic development
Events: Ford Foundation Screening of “Black in Latin America” with Henry Louis Gates Jr. Highlights from the April 11 reception and screening include the series trailer and more
Speeches: Luis Ubiñas Opens “Black in Latin America” Screening A special presentation and sneak preview of Henry Louis Gates Jr’s new series, hosted by the Ford Foundation
Speeches: Observaciones de Pablo Farías en el Día Mundial de los Bosques Vicepresidente de la Fundación Ford sobre la preservación de los bosques del mundo

From the Library

Ford Foundation Mexico The foundation's Mexico and Central America office will mark 50 years of regional grant making in 2012. Over the years, we have supported visionary leaders working to promote social justice, build more inclusive societies and create opportunities. Today, our focus remains on empowering the poor and marginalized throughout the region. English, 2 MB Español, 2 MB