Meanwhile, many detainees who wish to be voluntarily repatriated have been unable to return to their countries of origin. Guatemala has closed its borders and asked Mexico to cancel the repatriation of people from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, who need to pass through Guatemala to reach their countries of origin.
“We call on the Mexican government to ensure that migrants and asylum seekers can remain in Mexico in dignified and safe conditions, and to facilitate voluntary repatriations alongside the consulates of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras,” said Martin. “It is urgent that authorities across the region implement measures to limit the risk of contagion among [migrants and asylum seekers] and to ensure access to health care, both in Mexico and in their countries of origin for those who choose to return."
In Mexico, MSF provides medical and mental health care in shelters in Tapachula, Tenosique, Coatzacoalcos, Nuevo Laredo, Mexicali, Reynosa, and Matamoros. In Mexico City, MSF runs a specialized therapeutic center for migrants and asylum seekers who are victims of extreme violence.