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REUTERS / Carlos Jasso

During his morning conference, the Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, was questioned about the new migrant caravan that has made its way through Central America and heads to the border between Guatemala and Mexico.

Specifically, the president was asked about whether there will be a deployment of elements of the National Guard to repel or capture people who try to cross into Mexican territory. López Obrador stated that The first measure on the part of the Mexican government will be to try to establish a dialogue to dissuade migrants from trying to enter Mexico by force. The Chief Executive also declared that he will ensure respect for the human rights of migrants.

Different organizations dealing with migrants predicted new and more numerous migrant caravans. The flow of people leaving their countries in search of better job opportunities or fleeing organized crime was reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, The disasters caused by the passage of hurricanes in the Central American region made it foreseeable that many people would decide to leave their homes in search of a more dignified life.

Last November the hurricanes Eta and Iota had a considerable impact on the country of Honduras, where communities had to abandon their homes in search of shelters to protect themselves from the winds and floods.

Jorge Vidal Arnaud, the National Director of Save the Children’s Programs, in an exclusive interview for Infobae Mexico, commented that the precariousness that intensified with the passage of the November hurricanes in the Central American region, was a factor that made it possible to foresee the formation of new migrant caravans.

López Obrador also mentioned that he will take care of the children who are part of the new migrant caravan. In this regard, Jorge Vidal highlights that migrant childhoods are the most vulnerable, and that the risks they experience as they pass through Mexico have intensified due to the arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. Save the Children explains that “Children are more vulnerable to violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, being recruited by organized crime and forced to participate in criminal activities.”

For Jorge Vidal, it is important to understand the reasons why migrant children decide to leave their homes. He relates testimonies of minors who have had to flee suddenly to try to protect their life or that of a sister, due to the threat of organized crime. Save the Children highlights that girls are the most vulnerable.

Information in development …

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