Programs action medeor

In rural areas, where women and young people account for more than 70% of the population, many are forced to migrate abroad in response to insecurity, the gradual loss of their livelihoods, and increasingly severe poverty; similar figures can also be assumed for Mexico. In most cases, migration takes place under irregular conditions, offering little protection against violence, abuse of power, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. When setting out, migrants are often unaware of the difficulties and dangers, as well as the abuse and violations of their rights, to which they are exposed along the way. On their journey, migrants of various nationalities pass through the two northernmost countries of Central America (Guatemala and Mexico) in order to reach the United States and Canada.

The project region encompasses an important migration corridor for transit migrants in Guatemala’s Department of Petén as well as in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Compared to other regions in their respective countries, these areas are characterized by lower education levels - particularly among women - lower employment rates, and higher levels of poverty. The rural population in the project region has very limited access to formal employment and relies largely on subsistence farming and day labor. Harvests are frequently lost due to extreme weather events caused by climate change, such as prolonged droughts or heavy rainfall. The entire area on both sides of the border is marked by poor infrastructure (water supply, waste management) and insufficient quality of public services, such as education and, in particular, limited or nonexistent access to state-provided healthcare. In some locations, institutional capacities are completely overstretched by the arrival of thousands of transit migrants.

In Guatemala, the project region consists of seven very remote municipalities located along the transit migration route in the border area with Mexico. The majority of the population in these communities depends on agriculture and is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events and recurring water shortages. State health services and other infrastructure are largely absent in these municipalities. In Mexico, the project focuses on a region located along the migrants’ transit route.

Guatemala: Improving Living Conditions and Supporting Migrants

The project activities in Guatemala aim to improve living conditions for families in the border region and create prospects for remaining in the area. To achieve this, self-help initiatives and income-generating alternatives are promoted, including, for example, the establishment of savings groups. Another key focus is the expansion of healthcare services in the project area, among other measures through the training of community health promoters, who subsequently help improve basic medical care for both the local population and migrants. In addition, health facilities are renovated and equipped, and qualified personnel are hired to provide medical and psychological care to patients.

Mexico: Medical Care and Support Along Migration Routes

To strengthen healthcare services for the local population from more than 100 communities in the catchment area around the city of Esquintla (approximately 4,000 patients per year), and to ensure adequate medical care for migrants (approximately 2,000 per year), the local clinic is equipped with medicines, hygiene products, and medical supplies.

To support migrants, five so-called “support points” (Spanish: puntos de apoyo / solidaridad) are established, offering people in transit a safe place to rest, sanitary facilities, hygiene and cleaning services, drinking water, first aid, as well as the possibility to charge mobile phones and access the internet. In addition, two existing migrant shelters along the route are supported.