Breathe
By Mónica Cervantes
Understanding the current dynamics of human mobility in the Mexican context implies recognizing and making visible the situations of vulnerability to which thousands of people are exposed, who have been forced to leave their homes in their country of origin to ensure their safety, survival and improve their living conditions. The latent risks faced by people in human mobility along the different migratory routes are directly aggravated by: lack of access to verified information, limited resources to meet their basic needs, few safe and dignified places to stay and the systematic violation of their rights and access to public services.
The consequences of these situations highlight the urgent humanitarian needs of children, teenagers and families in a situation of mobility in a country like Mexico. Responding in a timely manner to guarantee their survival and human dignity in the face of this discouraging scenario requires joint actions to ensure their comprehensive protection. Collaboration between humanitarian actors and public sector authorities, together with civil society and academia, is vital to generate work dynamics that put families and migrants at the center with the support of the legal framework.
Given this scenario, it is urgent to guarantee the survival, well-being and human dignity of children and teenagers in mobility through the establishment of safe spaces where they can regain a sense of normalcy in their lives and have psycho-emotional support in the face of the different situations of violence to which they have been exposed.
From the experience of international organizations that provide humanitarian aid to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, there have been initiatives focused on the early childhood stage of children, who travel with their mothers, fathers and caregivers. These actions have been focused on guaranteeing the protection of this population, since it is a fundamental stage in the development of human beings due to the importance it represents for brain maturation, the creation of neuronal connections and the development of cognitive, emotional and social skills.
We have promoted the establishment of safe spaces for early childhood and breastfeeding, which are crucial in contexts of human mobility, as they generate a space for protection and care, providing a safe and free environment where children can receive adequate care and attention, reducing the risk of abuse, exploitation and other forms of violence, contributing to their survival. Breastfeeding is promoted, as it is essential for the development, nutrition and well-being of babies. In contexts of human mobility, mothers may face additional challenges to breastfeeding due to precarious conditions and stress. A breastfeeding space provides a comfortable and suitable environment where mothers can breastfeed their babies and receive support if they face any difficulties. It also addresses measures focused on health promotion to prevent diseases.
In addition to these spaces that can be established in shelters, hostels and temporary spaces, it is important to ensure that in any environment where children in early childhood live, they have access to: comprehensive health services, healthy and nutritious food, a complete vaccination schedule, preventive medicine and growth and development control; as well as access for mothers, fathers and caregivers to legal guidance to ensure the right to identity and recognition of a migratory status for their children. On the other hand, access to preschool education is of vital importance at this stage of development, since there are spaces for learning, play and recreation.
Although the challenges of early childhood mobility in the Mexican context are many and complex, the sum of efforts and collaboration of key actors, from local authorities, civil society and international organizations, is the pillar to detonate comprehensive support processes where children share their interests and needs to focus joint action for their protection and welfare.
* Mónica Cervantes has a degree in International Relations from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, is a specialist in International Migration from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte and has a Master's degree in International Migration Studies from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte.
During her professional career she has worked for several international non-governmental organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children, providing direct support to the implementation of humanitarian projects in contexts of migration and displacement in the northern and southern borders of Mexico.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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