The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, adopted in June 2022, represents a significant milestone in addressing the regional and global migration challenges, particularly in the context of the unprecedented migration crisis from Venezuela. This declaration marked a rare and unified effort by 21 Western Hemisphere nations to address the challenges posed by the displacement of millions of Venezuelans and other migrants.
Background
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Historical Context: The declaration builds upon the tradition of solidarity and welcoming of neighbors in the Americas. It contrasts with responses seen in other regions where camps were established to isolate refugees. Instead, most South American countries opened their borders, integrating Venezuelan children into local education systems and granting them citizenship based on favorable nationality laws.
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Crisis Trigger: The Venezuelan migration crisis began around 2015 due to economic and political turmoil, including a sharp decline in oil prices and political instability, leading to mass departures. By 2022, the number of Venezuelan refugees had surpassed 7.7 million, making it the largest migration crisis globally.
The Proposal and Negotiations
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Objectives: The LA Declaration focuses on three main areas: stabilizing displaced populations in their home countries, expanding legal pathways for migration, and implementing humane border enforcement measures.
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Process: Despite the complexity and sensitivity of the topic, the declaration was negotiated within nine months and adopted by a majority of Western Hemisphere leaders, marking a significant diplomatic achievement.
Building the Architecture for Implementation
- Global Impact: Following the LA Declaration, the G7 summit in Italy adopted a similar three-pronged approach to migration, signaling a broader global recognition of the need for a coordinated response to migration challenges.
Achievements and Shortfalls
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Impact: Two years post-signing, the LA Declaration has fostered a shared responsibility and cooperative approach among countries facing similar migration pressures. It has reduced the incentive for countries to become insular and has encouraged a more comprehensive strategy to manage migration.
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Challenges: While progress has been made, achieving full implementation remains a challenge, particularly in ensuring consistent action across borders and addressing the root causes of migration.
The Role of U.S. Leadership
- Influence: The United States played a pivotal role in initiating and driving the LA Declaration, showcasing its commitment to regional and global migration governance. This has helped in aligning policies and resources across the Western Hemisphere.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Declaration represents a significant step forward in international migration governance, emphasizing shared responsibility and cooperation. Its success underscores the importance of collective action in addressing complex migration crises and sets a precedent for future international collaborations on migration policy.
About the Author
Katie Tobin, the author of this report, brings a unique perspective as someone who served as President Joe Biden's top migration adviser in the National Security Council, providing insights into the strategic development and implementation of the LA Declaration.
