The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned of the overcrowded situation that exists in the migration centers located in Mexico, offering the country’s authorities to jointly study what kind of measures can be taken after the death of 39 migrants of different nationalities during a fire.
“The problem is that the centers that exist on the border are totally overcrowded and when (that happens) the conditions deteriorate rapidly,” said António Vitorino, IOM director general, at a press conference.
Vitorino stated that the international organization is awaiting the investigation carried out by the Mexican authorities on the event registered on Monday in a center of the National Institute of Migration (INM) in Ciudad Juárez.
He also noted that the IOM has offered to work with the INM and “analyze what immediate measures can be implemented to improve the living conditions of migrants at the border.”
According to what he said, this includes those who are in centers run by the authorities, but also those who are living outside of them, mixed with the population, or even on the streets.
“We are concerned about the humanitarian situation that exists on the border,” said the IOM director, who recalled the high number of migrants who are in Mexico waiting for their situation to be clarified, especially by the United States. .
In this sense, he asked the United States for “clarity” about its policies for migrants and asylum seekers, especially about the so-called Title 42, a policy launched by the Government of former President Donald Trump was the one that forced many to wait in Mexico while their applications were being resolved.
“What we need is clarity,” said Vitorino, who hoped that “fairly soon” there will be news from the US Administration.
The IOM chief stressed the agency’s great concern over the growing number of deaths on migratory routes, both in the Americas and in the Mediterranean, and said that the situation requires a greater commitment from countries to protect these people.
With information from EFE
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