More than five million people in Guatemala need humanitarian assistance. Much of the population live with the effects of organised crime, food insecurity and extreme weather events.
NRC in Guatemala
Notice: NRC's Guatemala country office closed operations in December 2025
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) opened its offices in Guatemala in 2022. Between 2022 and 2025, we assisted more than 29,000 people displaced by widespread violence, refugees, and migrants – many of them transiting towards the north – and others in need of protection. We also helped children outside the education system to return to school. Although the humanitarian needs remain, in December 2025 we were forced to close our operations in the country due to financial cuts to humanitarian aid.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) opened its offices in Guatemala in 2022. Between 2022 and 2025, we assisted more than 29,000 people displaced by widespread violence, refugees, and migrants – many of them transiting towards the north – and others in need of protection. We also helped children outside the education system to return to school. Although the humanitarian needs remain, in December 2025 we were forced to close our operations in the country due to financial cuts to humanitarian aid.
What’s happening in Guatemala?
Corruption, drug trafficking and gang violence are rife in Guatemala and drive many families from their homes every year. Intimidation, persecution and violence against women are among the main drivers of displacement. Equally frightening is the threat of hurricanes, flash floods and other disasters, which force entire communities to evacuate.
Poverty is entrenched and hunger remains widespread across the country, with Indigenous communities, women and children among the most vulnerable groups. A significant proportion of the population continues to experience crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity.
Since financial cuts to humanitarian aid in early 2025, the support capacity of local and international organisations has been significantly reduced in Guatemala, despite ongoing needs.
Our response
Although NRC no longer has operations in Guatemala, we continue to work with local organisations on advocacy in 2026:
- Advocacy – raising awareness of forced displacement and drawing greater attention to the needs of affected communities.
Download the factsheet for NRC in North of Central America and Mexico
Our operations
NRC office established: 2022
Areas of operation: Guatemala City, Alta Verapaz, San Marcos and Chiquimula departments
Country Director: Giorgio Lentini
Contact: nrc.ncaym@nrc.no
Our impact
In 2025, we assisted 7,769 people through our programmes in Guatemala:
-
783Education
-
5,670Protection from violence
-
4,218Information, counselling and legal assistance
Note: some people received more than one type of assistance.
