Mexico faces widespread violence and organised crime that forces many families from their homes each year. There were an estimated 392,000 displaced people in Mexico at the end of 2023, although the actual figure is likely to be much higher. In addition, Mexico is also an origin, transit country and destination for refugees and migrants alike.
NRC in Mexico
So we’re working with displaced and stranded people nationwide – helping them access emergency support, legal services and protection from violence.
What’s happening in Mexico?
Mexico is facing a complex crisis of violence – largely perpetrated by organised crime and drug cartels, trying to gain control of regions and routes for drug and human trafficking. This has a devastating impact on communities across the country, forcing many families to flee for safety.
Many of these families attempt to enter the United States, along with millions of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers from elsewhere in the world. Between January and May 2024 alone, Mexico's National Migration Institute reported almost 1.4 million people from 177 countries travelling through the country – the majority of whom were heading for the United States. In total, people of 110 nationalities sought asylum in the U.S. last year.
Others decide to stay and apply for asylum in Mexico – making it one of the top five destinations for asylum-seekers in the world, according to UNHCR. As a result, the country is overburdened and unable to give proper support to people in need of protection.
Region: North America
Population: 129.4 million
Total displaced: 570,178
Total refugees hosted: 455,933
So we’re working with displaced and stranded people nationwide – helping them access emergency support, legal services and protection from violence.
What’s happening in Mexico?
Mexico is facing a complex crisis of violence – largely perpetrated by organised crime and drug cartels, trying to gain control of regions and routes for drug and human trafficking. This has a devastating impact on communities across the country, forcing many families to flee for safety.
Many of these families attempt to enter the United States, along with millions of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers from elsewhere in the world. Between January and May 2024 alone, Mexico's National Migration Institute reported almost 1.4 million people from 177 countries travelling through the country – the majority of whom were heading for the United States. In total, people of 110 nationalities sought asylum in the U.S. last year.
Others decide to stay and apply for asylum in Mexico – making it one of the top five destinations for asylum-seekers in the world, according to UNHCR. As a result, the country is overburdened and unable to give proper support to people in need of protection.
Our response
Across Mexico, we’re working with our partners in the following areas:
- Protection from violence – helping communities to recognise protection risks and develop effective self-protection strategies.
- Information, counselling and legal assistance – providing advice on asylum procedures, international protection and housing, land and property rights.
- Livelihoods and food security – offering formal livelihoods programmes in Veracruz and Mexico City from 2025.
Download the factsheet for NRC in North of Central America and Mexico
Our operations
NRC office established: 2014
Areas of operation: Chiapas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Coahuila
Country Director: Ernesto Lorda
Contact: nrc.ncaym@nrc.no
Our impact
In 2023, we assisted 1,025 people in Mexico:
-
400Protection from violence
-
1,000Information, counselling and legal assistance
Note: some people received more than one type of assistance.
