By: Nicole Alejandra Benavides / translated by Samai Páez
Every December 18, the international Migrant Dayis celebrated, date established by the United Nations to acknowledge the importance of migration as a global phenomenon, but also to make visible the challenges of millions of people who decide to leave their countries in search of a better life.
In Latin America, this phenomenon has reached alarming levels. According to the International Organization for Migration, Latin America and the Caribbean are currently home to more than 41 million migrants, representing about 7% of the total population of the region. Of those 41 million, a large part consists of forced migrants, people fleeing extreme situations of violence, poverty and malnutrition.
Latin American migrants face big challenges on their journey, lots of them originated by social, political and economic crises from which their respective countries are going through. Among the main causes of migration in the region are food insecurity, structural violence, natural disasters and poverty.
According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Latin America has experienced a dramatic increase in food insecurity in recent years. In 2023, more than 60 million people in the region are in a situation of hunger or severe food insecurity, a significant increase compared to the 47 million registered in 2020. This situation has pushed thousands to abandon their homes in search of food and a more dignified life.
On the other hand, violence, especially the one linked to gangs, drug trafficking and armed conflicts, also continues to be one of the main causes of forced migration in Latin America. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, in 2022 more than 2.5 million people were internally displaced in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
In Mexico, drug-related violence has also generated large migratory flows. Central and South American migrants attempting to reach the United States face serious risks such as kidnapping, extortion, and murder. In 2023, the Mexican Commission for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights reported that, in the first six months of the year alone, more than 1000 migrants were victims of kidnapping in Mexican territory, while thousands more were subjected to extortion by criminal groups.
Despite the enormous difficulties, Latin American migrants remain hopeful of finding a better life for themselves and their families. The remittances sent by migrants play a fundamental role in the support of their relatives who stay in their home countries. . In 2023, Latin America and the Caribbean received more than 130,000 million dollars in remittances, which represents about 5% of the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Remittances are a vital source of income for millions of households, helping to alleviate the economic burdens caused by poverty and insecurity.
This day is an opportunity to recognize the courage, resilience and hopes of migrants without leaving aside the reality of millions of people who were forced by different social and political situations and leaving their homes in search of new opportunities.
Migration should not be seen as an ideal option, but as a necessity forced by the lack of opportunities. It is crucial to reject xenophobia and the criminalization of migrants, and demand public policies that guarantee their rights, dignity and access to a safe life. Migration is not an individual problem, but a global issue that requires a solidarity and structural response.
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