Democracy Matters - Episode 63: Durable Policy Solutions to the Humanitarian Crisis in Central America

Nearly one percent of the world’s population is forcibly displaced. In this episode, we continue conversations around World Refugee Day raise awareness about the range of issues facing refugees and displaced people, and to highlight how #RefugeesAreCourageous. Julio Rank Wright, Deputy Regional Director for Latin America at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), joins us to discuss the growing humanitarian crisis in northern Central America (El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala) that continues to force thousands of people to flee for safety in neighboring countries and the United States, and durable policy solutions to address the crisis. 

Julio Rank Wright provides leadership in a range of strategic, programmatic, and operational management support to country programs and regional colleagues, with a particular focus on programming related to humanitarian action in Latin America, especially for migrants, refugees and displaced people. With almost twenty years of experience, Julio has worked in international development, design and management of humanitarian programs, democracy promotion, and international strategy. Before joining the IRC, Julio was at RTI International, and at the National Endowment for Democracy where he worked in Mexico, Central America, Colombia and in some countries in Asia and Africa. He was chosen as a “Voice of the New Generation” by the Council of the Americas/Americas Society and is a Fellow at the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Links in this episode:

• Communities in Crisis: Policy Recommendations to Address the Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Central America, International Rescue Committee
• Democracy Matters - Episode 62: Moving Beyond the ‘Band Aid on Wound’ Approach to Refugees