Latin America on the move: Experience solidarity and culture on August 31st!

Latin America on the move: Experience solidarity and culture on August 31st!

On August 31, 2025, an important event for international solidarity and friendship between peoples will take place in the Horster Mitte cultural hall in Gelsenkirchen. The event starts at 11 a.m., with entry possible at 10:30 a.m. The entrance fee is 4 euros, reduced price 2 euros. The event will focus on the current challenges in local election campaigns as well as the social struggles and movements in Latin America, which will be examined in more detail by the participants. A special highlight will be the Festival of Cultures, which will offer music as well as Latin American food.

A delegation will hold talks with miners in São Paulo to address the critical issues of environmental contamination and the dangers of dam failures. In this context, a solidarity greeting is also sent to miners in Georgia. These events are an expression of global solidarity that not only focuses on Latin American issues, but also reflects the influence of corporations on daily life and politics.

Migration as a central issue

Latin America is currently experiencing high levels of migration, particularly of people from Central America, including Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, as well as Venezuela. While migrants from Central America are increasingly heading to the USA, Venezuelans are seeking refuge in other southern countries. This migration is influenced by restrictive policies in the USA, particularly during the administration of Donald Trump. In contrast, the borders in southern Latin America remain largely open. During the dictatorships of the 1970s and the civil wars of the 1980s and 1990s, Latin America developed a tradition of accepting refugees.

The situation for millions of Venezuelans who are forced to leave their homes due to poor living conditions and human rights violations is alarming. The Geneva Refugee Convention of 1951 and the Cartagena Declaration of 1984, which broadens the definition of refugee, have been ratified by many Latin American countries. In addition, the concept of “Solidarity Cities” in the region promotes the integration of refugees through local programs that aim to find lasting solutions.

Development of migration policy in Argentina

In Argentina, access to residency status is made easier for Venezuelans through the Mercosur residency agreement. Nevertheless, the challenge is growing: around four million people have left Venezuela since 2015, representing the largest migration in the region. The UN Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL) reports on the increase in intra-regional migration and highlights that the proportion of intra-regional migrants increased from 24% in 1970 to 63% in 2010.

Argentina passed a law in 2004 under President Néstor Kirchner that enshrined the right to migrate. However, there are no reception centers for migrants and government support remains limited. Civil society organizations, like CAREF, play an important role in supporting refugees and migrants. However, the political mood has shifted to the right, leading to an increase in deportations, with Argentina's migration law having been modified since 2017. The criminalization of migrants is increasing and mobilization against these practices is growing.

The upcoming event on August 31st not only offers a framework for discussing solidarity and friendship between peoples, but also highlights the complex challenges that arise from migration and social justice in Latin America. The situation of migrants and political developments in Latin American countries remain a central issue that requires international attention.