IOM today launched a mass information campaign targeting irregular
migrants crossing from Guatemala into Mexico with the slogan: "Walk
Safely: Information is Your Best Baggage" (Camina Seguro: la
información es tu mejor equipaje).

Backed by the Government of the Mexican State of Chiapas, the
Provincial Government of San Marcos in Guatemala, Central American
countries and Ecuador, together with civil society organizations,
the campaign aims to raise public awareness and provide information
on the dangers associated with irregular migration in this highly
volatile migration corridor.

"Most migrants in transit through Mexico and Central America do
not have a clear picture of what risks await them and this lack of
information leads to extortions, kidnappings, mutilation and even
deaths. There is a great need to provide these people with
objective information so they can make informed decisions. These
efforts must be implemented in the framework of regional and
inter-institutional strategies such as Camina Seguro, which
brings together three IOM offices, as well as government and
non-governmental partners," says IOM Mexico Chief of Mission Thomas
Lothar Weiss.

It is estimated that some 400,000 irregular migrants from
Central America transit through Mexico each year on their journey
north to the United States. This includes thousands of irregular
migrants who cross from Guatemala and enter Chiapas using rubber
rafts, freight trains or on foot. Indigenous Guatemalans from the
San Marcos region cross by land into Chiapas to work in
agriculture, services and commerce.

In Guatemala, the campaign's messages will air on radio stations
in seven communities in San Marcos used as transit points by
migrants, including unaccompanied minors. These are Tajumulco,
Ixchiguan, Comitancillo, Sipacapa, Tejutla, San Miguel Ixtahuacan
and Concepción Tutuapa.

In Mexico, the campaign will be disseminated in migrant shelters
around the country, in consular offices in the city of Arriaga, and
aired by local radio stations.

"The border area between Guatemala and Mexico is a traditional
transit point for entire Guatemalan families who for years have
traveled to Tapachula for seasonal jobs. But the increase in
organized crime and violence is exposing migrants to more and more
dangers. These families and the communities need up to date
information, and that is the aim of this campaign, which
complements reintegration and community work being done on both
sides of the border," explains IOM Regional Project Coordinator Ana
Hidalgo.

Once in Mexico, migrants attempting to reach the United States
face a 3,000 kilometer journey fraught with many obstacles
including violence, rape, extortion and other life-threatening
situations. Unaccompanied minors and women are particularly at
risk.

The campaign's message is also being spread through social media
including Facebook and Twitter, and through posters, flyers, a
hotline and the IOM video Crossroads. A radio programme,
Pueblo de Paso, also provides information on particularly
dangerous areas and risks along the migratory route.

The IOM regional programme, funded by the US State Department's
Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), is also
providing scholarships for children to attend school and income
generation activities for families to improve their quality of life
without being forced to migrate.

The IOM sub-office in Tapachula has provided training and
in-kind support for the establishment of a day shelter that
provides protection and assistance, including food, medical and
psychological support to children, adolescents and other vulnerable
groups of migrants.

IOM has been present on Mexico's southern border since 2005. It
works to strengthen the capacity of local government and civil
society organizations working with victims of trafficking,
unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable migrants.

For more information, please contact:

Luis Flores

IOM Tapachula

Tel: 019626425674

E-mail: "mailto:lflores@iom.int">lflores@iom.int

Carolina Urcuyo

IOM San José

Tel: +506 2221-5348, Ext. 136

E-mail: "mailto:curcuyo@iom.int">curcuyo@iom.int

or

Walter Arreaga

IOM Guatemala

Tel: +503 2221-5348

E-mail: "mailto:warreaga@iom.int">warreaga@iom.int