Rachel Schmidtke is the senior advocate for Latin America at Refugees International. Previously, she was the Deputy Protection Coordinator for the ICRC and program associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars where she played a key role in the development of the Mexico Institute’s migration portfolio.
Humanitarian needs along the Darien Gap will remain high as migration through the gap continues. Panama and Costa Rica are in a unique position to meet these needs.
October 11, 2024
Refugees International's interviews with migrants suggest that any effect of U.S. policy on border crossings is, at best, temporarily keeping them away but not reducing their overall numbers.
August 15, 2024
In light of Costa Rica’s state of emergency, Refugees International calls for increased support and pathways for displaced people.
September 28, 2023
Avanzan investigaciones por el incendio en un centro de detención para migrantes en Ciudad Juárez.
March 30, 2023
Rachel Schmidtke spoke with Channel 4 news about the direct implications of cruel U.S. asylum policies in the tragic fire at a migrant detention center in Ciudad Juarez.
March 29, 2023
This tragedy is the result of failures by the Mexican National Migration Institute to respect the humanity and rights of migrants in Mexico.
March 28, 2023
The Biden administration rebooted and expanded the Central American Minors program two years ago. But very few—if any—Guatemalan children have arrived.
March 15, 2023
Climate hazards in Central America and a lack of investment in resilience and recovery efforts has made the region vulnerable to climate displacement.
February 17, 2023
Countries in the Western Hemisphere must work together to ensure Venezuelans are provided protection and opportunity.
October 31, 2022
The UN confirmed that the number of displaced Venezuelans has reached 6.8 million people—tying with Ukraine for the largest refugee and migrant crisis worldwide, and surpassing Syria for the first...
August 31, 2022
