Guatemala City, Guatemala, August 8, 2024 —  Following an uptick in the number of Mexicans displaced by violence and seeking safety in Guatemala, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) program’s response has shifted to include the new population in the delivery of aid in the area. 

Fabiola G. Ross, Women’s Protection and Empowerment Coordinator for the IRC in Northern Central America said:

“In recent months, authorities have reported that every day between 4,000 and 7,000 displaced people cross into Mexican territory in search of safety, whether they are seeking refuge within the country or hoping to travel towards the US. During the last couple of weeks, however, we have seen an unexpected shift in dynamics, as about 600 Mexicans have been forcibly displaced by violence, particularly from the state of Chiapas, and have arrived in Guatemalan border towns.

“Violence (along with climate change) is a factor that continues to play an important role in forced displacement throughout Latin America, including Mexico. The state of Chiapas is one of the areas that has most been affected recently by the increase in violence, which puts both Mexicans and displaced people at a higher risk. In fact, the level of conflict has not only resulted in Mexicans fleeing to Guatemala but has spurred further internal displacement within Mexico and forced others to try to seek protection in the US as well. 

“Our IRC teams provide aid to people who are experiencing humanitarian challenges in Guatemala, including those who have been internally displaced or returned, and those who are still on the move. As part of our ongoing services, we have also been able to assist Mexicans arriving in Guatemala through different programs, including case management in relation to gender-based violence prevention and response, as well as child protection services. Our programmatic response also includes providing referrals to other organizations should people require additional services. 

“This latest change in dynamics between Mexico and Guatemala is an example of how complex the humanitarian and displacement crisis in the region is. The IRC continues calling on the international community to step up their support and investment to strengthen the protection systems across Latin America as part of a coordinated regional response.”