Addressing Migration from a Human Rights Perspective by Political Parties During the 2018-2019 Presidential Elections in Central America

Abstract

The article analyzes how political parties addressed the issue of migration during the presidential elections in Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala from 2018-2019. Through the analysis of political texts (government proposals specifically), the author determines patterns, similarities and differences in the treatment of migration issues in those four countries, which in the end respond to regional and national migration reality and dynamics. For example, in countries destiny of immigration, most approaches are based on the inclusion of migrants, human rights protection, security and border control; whereas in countries of origin, most approaches are based on the diaspora, integration of returnees and protection of nationals abroad.