The nominee, a long-serving Honduran diplomat, will be tasked with monitoring the commitment of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to addressing causes of irregular migration, such as corruption.
Ricardo Zúñiga, a Honduran career diplomat with extensive experience, has been appointed as the U.S. government’s special envoy for the North American Central Triangle, a subregion comprising Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
According to a brief statement from the State Department, Zúñiga’s mission in this position will be to lead diplomatic efforts in these countries and advise the White House on how to conduct resources and programs aimed at reducing irregular migration.
SEE: Roberta Jacobson, in charge of managing the border relationship with Mexico in the Biden administration
According to the Joe Biden administration, the main goal for the region is to reduce the flow of irregular immigrants. This, by addressing the causes that lead to the mass exodus of people: insecurity, lack of opportunities, weak institutionalization and corruption.
“The special envoy will be involved with regional governments, including – but not limited to – Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras on a wide range of issues to seek to improve conditions in Central America,” the statement added.
This statement states that Zúñiga “will be responsible for the partners (countries in the northern triangle) to be accountable for their commitments to address the structural causes of migration and the increase in the arrival of unaccompanied children southern U.S.A. “
It will also be responsible for maintaining an open dialogue with civil society actors and the private sector in these countries, the State Department said.
As part of his work, Zúñiga will pay a visit to Mexico and Guatemala, from 22 to 25 March.
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