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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.

 
Humanitarian and medical needs of Venezuelan migrants and asylum seekers in Roraima state, Brazil
Brazil

Taking care of the mental health of Venezuelan children in Brazil

Project Update 11 Oct 2019
 
 MSF on the migration route to Mexico
El Salvador

El Salvador is not a safe country for refugees or asylum seekers

Press Release 26 Sep 2019
 
The Migration Protection Protocol in the state of Tamaulipas
Central American Migration

US migration policy endangers lives of asylum seekers in Tamaulipas state

Press Release 6 Sep 2019
 
NUEVO LAREDO, NOT A SAFE PLACE
Central American Migration

Northern Mexican city too dangerous to send back people seeking asylum

Press Release 3 Jul 2019
 
MSF on the migration route to Mexico
Mexico

Mass arrests drive migrants underground and cut them off from medical care

Press Release 19 Jun 2019
 
 MSF on the migration route to Mexico
Central American Migration

“Mexico is not an option for my family to stay”

Project Update 24 May 2019
 
MIGRANTS DAY: NTCA AND MEXICO
Central American Migration

People fleeing put at risk through dangerous government migration policies

Voices from the Field 26 Mar 2019
 
El Salvador
El Salvador

“They ripped my soul out”

Project Update 19 Dec 2018
 
MIGRANTS DAY: NTCA AND MEXICO
Central American Migration

“I want a normal life for my son”

Voices from the Field 18 Dec 2018
Up Next
12 November 2018