U.N. official urges Mexico to search out options to migrant detention or asylum

Basic view exhibits tents of migrants residing in a makeshift camp outdoors a shelter whereas they get cash to proceed their journey heading to the U.S., in Monterrey, Mexico February 4, 2022. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril/File Photograph

MEXICO CITY, Feb 11 (Reuters) – Mexico should search options to detention and asylum for migrants, particularly forward of an anticipated enhance in arrivals this yr, the U.N. refugee company’s consultant for the nation mentioned Friday.

Mexico registered a report 131,448 asylum functions final yr, an 87% increase from 2019 with a lot of the candidates from Central America and Haiti, in accordance with the Mexican Fee for Refugee Help. Authorities count on the quantity to rise once more this yr as extra folks look to flee financial crises introduced on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Given the rise, Mexico ought to take into account choices that transcend asylum, the United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees’ Mexico consultant, Giovanni Lepri, mentioned in an interview with Reuters. Although most migrants who arrive in Mexico intend to achieve america border, many as a substitute search asylum in Mexico.

“We consider that we have to be fairly artistic in numerous public coverage initiatives and absolutely containment, detention, return and asylum aren’t sufficient,” Lepri mentioned. “We should search extra options for a phenomenon that’s not going to cease.”

These options may embrace other ways for asylum seekers to realize authorized standing and employment choices for them, he added.

Migrants at the moment are arriving in better numbers from different nations, like Venezuela, Lepri mentioned, a deviation from conventional migratory patterns originating from Central American nations.

Mexico in January formally introduced new visa necessities for guests from Venezuela as a part of efforts to curb a pointy enhance in illegal immigration on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Lepri warned that the Mexican authorities face main challenges as migrant flows enhance, which is overwhelming humanitarian establishments. There may be, nonetheless, nonetheless room to enhance the state of affairs, he mentioned.

“Mexico is a rustic of just about 130 million folks…. it’s a nation that has the capability to contribute to the regional effort in an important means,” Lepri mentioned.

Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Cassandra Garrison; Enhancing by Edwina Gibbs

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