El Salvador has a long history of violence and over 750,000 people are now thought to need protection. The danger – combined with inadequate access to basic services, food insecurity, disasters and climate change – has forced many families to leave their homes, or even flee the country altogether.
NRC in El Salvador
Today, it’s reckoned that more than one million people – almost a fifth of the population of El Salvador – need humanitarian support and we’re doing everything we can to help.
What’s happening in El Salvador?
El Salvador has historically had one of the highest crime rates in North Central America. Although there’s been a reduction in homicides in recent years, violence against women, girls and other vulnerable groups continues to drive people from their homes.
Many others flee disasters, especially now that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. More than 88 per cent of El Salvador is considered a ‘risk zone’, prone to environmental hazards – and 95.4 per cent of the country's population lives within this area.
In recent years, many refugees and migrants have also arrived in El Salvador – some of them seeking asylum in the country and others trying to reach the United States. Acting as a ‘transit country’ in this way has put additional strain on local resources and exacerbated humanitarian needs nationwide.
Region: Central America
Population: 6.4 million
Total displaced: 250,675
Today, it’s reckoned that more than one million people – almost a fifth of the population of El Salvador – need humanitarian support and we’re doing everything we can to help.
What’s happening in El Salvador?
El Salvador has historically had one of the highest crime rates in North Central America. Although there’s been a reduction in homicides in recent years, violence against women, girls and other vulnerable groups continues to drive people from their homes.
Many others flee disasters, especially now that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. More than 88 per cent of El Salvador is considered a ‘risk zone’, prone to environmental hazards – and 95.4 per cent of the country's population lives within this area.
In recent years, many refugees and migrants have also arrived in El Salvador – some of them seeking asylum in the country and others trying to reach the United States. Acting as a ‘transit country’ in this way has put additional strain on local resources and exacerbated humanitarian needs nationwide.
Our response
We’re working with our partners in the following areas:
- Water, sanitation and hygiene – teaching good hygiene practices and rehabilitating schools with proper water and sanitation facilities.
- Livelihoods and food security – providing emergency cash and food assistance, as well as training in climate-smart agricultural practices and food production systems.
- Education – identifying out-of-school children and helping them to access education, including flexible learning programmes.
- Protection from violence – helping communities to recognise protection risks and develop effective self-protection strategies.
- Information, counselling and legal assistance – providing advice on asylum procedures, international protection and housing, land and property rights.
Download the factsheet for NRC in North of Central America and Mexico
Our operations
NRC office established: 2014
Areas of operation: La Libertad, Santa Ana, San Salvador Sonsonate, Usulután, Zacatecoluca, San Vicente, San Miguel, La Unión, Chalatenango, Ahuachapán, Cabañas, Cuscatlán and Morazán departments
Country Director: Ernesto Lorda
Contact: nrc.ncaym@nrc.no
Our impact
In 2023, we assisted 7,343 people in El Salvador:
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2,166Education
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1,306Livelihoods and food security
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1,174Shelter and settlements
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2,769Protection from violence
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1,334Information, counselling and legal assistance
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349Water, sanitation and hygiene
Note: some people received more than one type of assistance.
