New patterns of exile in Guatemala and Nicaragua

Reflections from the perspective of international refugee law and regional asylum law

Abstract

This article examines the exodus of journalists and communicators, justice operators and human rights defenders currently taking place in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Its objectives are to identify the main characteristics of this exodus in light of international refugee law and regional asylum law. In this text, when we refer to ‘the region’ or ‘the regional,’ we are referring to Latin America. The methodology used is as follows: initially, a legal analysis of the main regulatory characteristics of refuge and asylum is carried out. We also reflect on the situation that existed in Latin America in the last century, offering more specific data on Mexico. The second section refers in general terms to the situation that is currently forcing certain Guatemalans and Nicaraguans to leave their countries of origin. The third section studies this situation in light of the analysis carried out in the first section.