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Migrants and Refugees in Mexico shelters

Central American Migration

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Until recently, an estimated 500,000 people fled extreme violence and poverty every year in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, heading north through Mexico to find safety.

In the past two years, our teams have witnessed an expansion of the migratory route to incorporate hundreds of thousands of people who have traversed the dangerous Darién Gap - the tropical forest that acts as a natural border between Colombia and Panama. They then travel through Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and the whole Central American region, with the aim to reach Mexico and the US.

Migrants in the region face multiple constraints in accessing basic goods, humanitarian, medical assistance and protection, as well as administrative barriers that make the journey even more difficult. In addition, many experience various forms of violence along the route.  

MSF provides medical-humanitarian care to those who need it most, regardless of their nationality or legal status, in different countries and locations from Panama to the northern border of Mexico. 

 
San Vicente migration centre
Central American Migration

Emergency healthcare and protection needed as more people cross to Panama

Press Release 19 May 2022
Migration in the Americas

Neither dangers nor policies deter migrants making their way to the US

The number of people migrating north through Central America continue to grow despite restrictive policies, dangers en route and violence. MSF teams are working across the region to provide care to people.

 
Migrants and Refugees in Mexico shelters
Central American Migration

MSF calls for release of migrants after deadly fire in Tenosique detention centre

Press Release 3 Apr 2020
 
The Migration Protection Protocol in the state of Tamaulipas
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

US must include asylum seekers in COVID-19 response, rather than shut border

Press Release 27 Mar 2020
 
Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
Central American Migration

Escaping violence into danger – no way out for Central American migrants

Press Release 11 Feb 2020
 
NUEVO LAREDO, NOT A SAFE PLACE
Central American Migration

Report: No way out - The humanitarian crisis for Central American migrants and asylum seekers

Report 11 Feb 2020
 
Migrants and Refugees in Mexico shelters
Central American Migration

Despite kidnapping and continued risks, migrants continue journey north through Mexico

Project Update 30 Jan 2020
 
Matamoros - Asylum-seekers and migrants at the US/Mexico border
Central American Migration

The devastating toll of 'Remain in Mexico' asylum policy one year later

Press Release 29 Jan 2020
 
The Migration Protection Protocol in the state of Tamaulipas
Mexico

Hopelessness and anxiety: the consequences of waiting for US asylum

Interview 18 Dec 2019
 
Migrants and Refugees in Mexico shelters
Central American Migration

More people kidnapped, abused on migration route in southern Mexico

Press Release 30 Oct 2019
 
Mexico: Migrants are exposed to danger in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
Mexico

Migration policies that kill

Interview 18 Oct 2019
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12 November 2018