Evidence of an upsurge in violence and rights violations against people on the move in Mexico, needs overview shows

According to the Protection Needs Overview Mexico 2023, approximately 50% of people on the move in Mexico report having suffered incidents of violence during their time in Mexico. Similarly, 30% of people on the move perceive gender-based violence as a risk in their environment.

In Mexico, the humanitarian crisis related to mixed migration and internal displacement exposes an increasing number of people to multiple protection risks. Although there are no exact figures on the number of people affected, the scale of human mobility in the region and Mexico can be understood through various other sources that reflect the needs of the population. The analysis of possible future scenarios suggests a deterioration of the humanitarian situation in general and of the protection crisis in particular.

While protection risks vary across the country and between population groups, the Technical Group behind this Protection Needs Overview considered five priority issues for joint analysis in a process guided by the Protection Analytical Framework. First, the threat of violence and insecurity, which encompasses different threats to the life and personal integrity of affected people; second, access to documentation, as a factor that increases vulnerability among the affected population and reduces coping capacity; third, refoulement and access to asylum, including the dynamics that particularly affect the specific rights of refugees; fourth, access to services and information, as aspects that can accentuate vulnerability or increase the capacity of people on the move; and fifth, arbitrary detention1, as deliberate deprivation of the right to personal liberty.

Some of the main findings include:

1. Regardless of their status, people who are part of mixed migration movements and internally displaced persons are exposed to various protection risks and have many related needs.
2. There is evidence of an upsurge in violence and rights violations against people on the move in Mexico. Approximately 50% of people on the move in Mexico report having suffered incidents of violence during their time in Mexico. Similarly, 30% of people on the move perceive gender-based violence as a risk in their environment. Beyond the funds that have been earmarked to address the structural causes of mixed migration and internal displacement, there are limited resources available to support those affected by these trends.
3. The absence of alternative pathways for migratory regularization, as well as the structural and resource gaps faced by the asylum authority, has overwhelmed the asylum system, disproportionately affecting people in need of international protection.
4. Immigration detention is often an automatic and arbitrary practice in Mexico, with the number of detentions steadily increasing. Detention affects people who are not subject to detention according to current legislation, including children and adolescents. In many instances, detention conditions generate other protection risks, while access to services and information is limited.
5. There is a lack of data and information related to key indicators, both concerning past trends as well as the current situation, impeding monitoring of the situation across geographic areas and over time.
6. Due to the lack of centralized data and the increase in policies that push people on the move to seek more clandestine routes, the number and needs of those affected are becoming increasingly difficult to discern, which further increases protection risks.
7. Throughout the country, people on the move face obstacles in accessing essential services: access to shelter, health services, and reliable, accurate, and accessible information, which are among the main services needed. Barriers to accessing these services include discrimination, lack of access to documentation, and the lack of capacity in receiving cities to meet the needs of people temporarily residing in the area. Exposure to these risks has important effects on the affected population: incidents and threats of violence have a significant impact on people’s lives and physical and mental integrity. Insecurity, risks associated with lack of documentation and challenges accessing asylum generate additional restrictions, including on internal movement, with effects on access to health, shelter, and employment opportunities. Due to discrimination and stigmatization, people experience barriers to accessing services to ensure their physical and mental health, housing, and income.