Jessica Xanthomila
La Jornada Newspaper
Sunday, November 17, 2024, p. 8
The Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees (Comar) has been headless for more than a month, after the departure of its former head, Andrés Ramírez, on September 30, which is why organizations defending the rights of this population urged that it be appoint a person who is an expert in human rights and international protection, who has experience relevant and verifiable
on these topics.
The legal clinic for refugees Alaíde Foppa, of the Ibero-American University; Asylum Access, the Cafemin and Casa Tochan shelters, among others, expressed concern that the lack of a commissioner has generated a growing uncertainty around the organizational structure for the correct functioning of the Comar
.
They indicated that ambivalence and lack of clarity in decision-making have worsened
and? Essential efficient operational positions were redirected to other units, limiting operational and response capacity in the asylum area.
.
Gabriela Hernández, director of the Casa Tochan migrant shelter, recalled that Comar has recently gone through several episodes of instability. We had that great oasis when it closed (in Mexico City), there was no office. Today it is open, but there is no owner and obviously things are complicated
he said in an interview.
He pointed out that this cannot continue, after Donald Trump’s victory in the last election for the presidency in the United States, since he announced the tightening of that country’s immigration policies and an increase in deportations.
There is an urgent need for a head in Comar with whom to talk
He stated, due to the situation in the United States, people are requesting refuge. We have learned that in Naucalpan, state of Mexico, which is where they begin the process to request asylum, there are lines again
.
In addition, Hernández warned that they have detected in several cases the commission’s refusal to grant refugee status. At Casa Tochan, he explained, We had six refugee applicants and three were denied. What are these people going to do? They are not here because they want to. One of them is a Nicaraguan and we know how that country is.
.
The organizations demanded that urgently
Prioritize the delivery of immigration documentation to all asylum seekers, increase the budget allocated to this commission, as well as strengthen and expand the decision-making spaces on asylum matters. with the participation of civil society, academia and refugees
.
