Original Language
English
ISBN (PDF)
978-92-9268-840-0
Number of Pages
51
Reference Number
PUB2024/052/R

Risks and protection through the most dangerous zones along transit migration routes in Central America and Mexico

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The increase in irregular migration in the Central American and Mexican routes has generated an increase in the flow of migrants through dangerous zones, exposing migrants to various risks, from the use of dangerous means of transportation to situations of exploitation, violence and disappearances. In recent years, hundreds of migrants have been reported missing or dead in these zones. Protection services face challenges and limitations in providing comprehensive care to the large number of migrants passing through the region. These risks are increased for vulnerable populations such as unaccompanied minors, women and LGBTIQA+ persons. In response, governments recognize the need to ensure the physical, legal and emotional safety of migrants in transit through the region. This study, developed by the IOM Regional Program on Migration with the support of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration of the United States Department of State, provides crucial information and lines of action to protect migrants in transit, contributing to the fulfillment of international commitments and the strengthening of coordination among member countries for the assistance and protection of migrants.

  • Lists of figures, graphs and maps 
  • Introduction 
  • Summary of findings
  • Methodology 
  • Most dangerous zones in Central America and Mexico
  • Darién National Park (Panama) 
  • Puntarenas and Alajuela Provinces (Costa Rica) 
  • Department of Cortés (Honduras)
  • Department of Guatemala (Guatemala) 
  • Departments of San Marcos and Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) 
  • State of Chiapas (Mexico) 
  • States of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas (Mexico) 
  • States of Baja California and Sonora (Mexico) 
  • Regional context and situations of vulnerability of migrants in transit 
  • Individual factors 
  • Family factors 
  • Community factors 
  • Structural factors 
  • Recommendations
  • References