International Office for Migration — “We were afraid”: Testimonies from the first Migrant Caravan of 2020

News story from the International Office for Migration (IOM):  The first migrant caravan of 2020 made headlines as reports and videos of clashes between migrants and the Mexican National Guard caught the attention of the region and the world. The caravan departed San Pedro Sula, Honduras on 14 January. As it headed through Guatemala and towards Mexico, it was reported to have mobilized more than 4,000 members.

At the Guatemala-Mexico border, the IOM provided humanitarian assistance, including food, medical care and housing to migrants, as well as transportation for those who voluntarily chose to return to their countries of origin. IOM also spoke to migrants about their experiences.

“You watch television and they say on such a date a caravan is leaving then you say ‘oh well then, I’m leaving’” stated Laura (not the person’s real name). “Supposedly last year, a [caravan] managed to arrive, so we decided well, the more there are of us, the greater possibility that they allow us to pass.”

Laura described the gender-based violence and discrimination she experienced, “I used to work in an office, but salaries for women are very low there. That, and sexual harassment at work is what motivated me to leave the country.”

Click this link to listen to audios of migrants who joined the caravan.  For a description of the caravans, click here.

KJ