Washington, DC – Dozens of people died and more than a hundred others were injured when a trailer packed with migrants, including children, crashed in Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. In reaction to today’s tragedy that occurred on Human Rights Day, Kids in Need of Defense President Wendy Young issued the following statement:
“Today’s tragic accident that claimed the lives of more than 50 migrants and injured more than a hundred more, including children, should serve as a wake-up call to the United States, Mexico, and Central American governments. These nations have failed to prioritize immigration policies that create safe pathways for families and children seeking protection from dangers in their home country. When channels to safety are blocked, migrants are forced to place themselves in grave danger in the hopes of finding safety on the other end of that perilous journey.
“The adults and children harmed today are victims of an immigration approach that excludes them from regular entry, stay and transit through Mexico, denies them effective access to asylum procedures and makes them targets for discrimination and extortion along their migration journey. Policies such as the closure of Mexico’s southern border and re-initiation of the Migrant Protection Protocols by the United States and Mexico lead to human rights violations, do nothing to address the root causes of migration, and benefits criminal groups. The United States and Mexico must lead the way in ensuring access to territory, due process, and international protection, while also addressing the causes of migration from the region.
“As we mourn those killed in today’s crash and urge care and protection for those who were harmed, KIND stands in solidarity with all who are working diligently to protect migrants, including unaccompanied children on the move. We must work to implement policies and create pathways that protect them and turn away from shortsighted policies that force them into harm’s way.”
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Media Contact: Megan McKenna, mmckenna@supportkind.org, 202-631-9990