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The phenomenon of child migration in Mexico experienced an alarming increase of 514% between 2018 and 2024, according to data from the Migration Policy Unit of the Secretariat of the Interior of the country.
This increase reflects a humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of children, primarily from countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Cuba, Brazil, and Haiti, according to El Milenio.
The most affected group consists of children aged zero to 11, who face extreme vulnerability during their journey, including threats of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
According to Human Rights Watch, between 2017 and 2021, at least 1,360 migrant children were separated from their families in Mexico, and many of them have yet to be reunited.
A concerning outlook
Mexico has become a country of transit, destination, and return for child migrants, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue from a human rights perspective.
The Human Rights Commission of Mexico City (CDHCM) underscores the need for a comprehensive and differentiated approach to address this priority group. Additionally, it calls for consideration of the specific local characteristics of the municipalities and states where these migration dynamics originate and evolve.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that between 30 and 40 million girls, boys, and adolescents are on the move worldwide, representing 14.6% of the total migrant population. This context highlights the global scale of the phenomenon, which directly affects countries like Mexico.
Cuba and Child Migration
Cuba ranks among the leading countries in terms of child migration. The economic, social, and political crisis the island is facing has compelled many families to make the difficult decision to emigrate, putting their children at unimaginable risks.
This scenario highlights the need to seek coordinated solutions at the regional level to protect minors and ensure their well-being.
In light of this situation, international and local organizations emphasize the need to strengthen public policies that prioritize the protection of migrant children's rights, particularly focusing on family reunification and access to basic services. The crisis of child migration is not just a challenge for Mexico; it is an issue that requires global attention and collaborative action.
Only up until last September, over 11,000 Cuban citizens applied for asylum in Mexico during 2024, according to data released this Tuesday by the Refugee Assistance Commission of the northern country (COMAR). Although it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach the United States, this situation could become more complicated with the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
A concerning outlook as Cuba is experiencing one of the most critical phases in its population dynamics. Since 2019, the country has reported a natural decline, with more deaths than births recorded, as reported by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly in its tenth legislature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Migration and the Situation in Cuba
Why has child migration increased in Mexico?
Child migration in Mexico has increased by 514% between 2018 and 2024 due to various factors, including critical economic and social conditions in sending countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Cuba, Brazil, and Haiti. This phenomenon reflects a humanitarian crisis that primarily affects children aged zero to 11, who face significant dangers during their journey.
What is Cuba's role in child migration toward Mexico?
Cuba is one of the main countries sending child migrants to Mexico. The economic and political crisis on the island has forced many families to emigrate, exposing their children to significant risks in search of better living conditions.
What measures are being taken to protect migrant children in Mexico?
Measures are being implemented to protect the rights of migrant children in Mexico, such as the comprehensive and tailored care proposed by the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City. However, there is an emphasis on the need for more effective and coordinated public policies at the regional level to ensure their well-being and family reunification.
How do the political and economic situation in Cuba affect child migration patterns?
The political and economic situation in Cuba exacerbates the flow of child migration by pushing families to emigrate in search of better opportunities. The lack of freedoms and resources on the island forces many to make difficult decisions, putting minors at risk during the migration process.
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