El Refugio, which translates to “The Shelter,” is an organization integral to the pastoral complex of the El Refugio parish. Its primary mission is to aid migrants passing through Mexico. The dedicated individuals who collaborate with this institution focus on providing food, medical assistance, clothing, accommodation, legal advice, and shelter to migrants facing challenging circumstances.

Even though this is a religious organization, it is not a requirement to identify as a follower of Catholicism in order to be welcomed within this shelter, as they provide support to any migrant person who approaches them seeking assistance. El Refugio sustains itself through international funds, both monetary and in-kind donations, as well as proceeds from a bazaar held every Wednesday where they sell a variety of donated items to support the organization. Regarding the collaborators, they include nuns, individuals closely connected to the church, and volunteers who dedicate themselves to assisting the people within the organization. Many of them are motivated either by their Catholic devotion or their empathy for the cause.

Strategically situated atop a hill next to the train tracks, this organization takes advantage of its location, which serves as a conduit for transit to the United States. The demanding journey undertaken by migrant individuals across Mexico exacts a toll that is not only physical but also carries a significant emotional impact. This is especially true for those who board freight trains bound for the north, as they confront the challenges of traveling in the open, enduring high temperatures and rain, as well as the dangers of getting on and off the train which results in a myriad of accidents, in addition to enduring hunger and fatigue.

The efforts made by El Refugio are extremely important, since it is a clear example of how organized civil society strives to uphold the well-being and dignity of migrants navigating this region. Their work is admirable since they use the few resources they have at their disposal to be able to help those who often find themselves in critical situations. Regarding the issue of health, as we will be able to observe in more depth in the interview, the shelter facilitates access to medical consultations, medicines or first aid for migrants who require it, which allows them to access these services and then continue on their way to the United States. It should be noted that El Refugio operates in an environment where local people themselves face a certain degree of marginalization. This shared experience has fostered a receptive attitude towards the shelter within the community. This stands in contrast to the experiences of other shelters in Guadalajara and across Mexico, which have encountered resistance and opposition from residents. After our investigation, we learned that El Refugio has a changing dynamic, influenced by immigration policies and practices, which is why they are now also dedicated to the defense of human rights, providing legal advice and support to people seeking refuge or residence in Mexico.

The above is an example of how the organization has been providing different facilities to migrants who come to the shelter, based on the different needs that emerge over time. Thanks to the time we got to spend in this shelter, we were able to understand the monumental work that is carried out at El Refugio, and how busy the days are for the collaborators and volunteers who lend their time and work for the benefit of these migrants in need. During our visit to this organization, we were welcomed by Sister Carmen and Mr. Arturo Navarro, commonly known as Mr. Marin. They allowed us to take part in the organization’s activities for a day, and they also agreed to be interviewed by us, with the provision that we would assist a group of migrants who were passing through, which made us see first-hand the importance of the work that is carried out every day at El Refugio. The shelter stands as a beacon of hope, extending a compassionate hand to those in urgent need, while also contending with unique challenges intrinsic to its compassionate mission.

Interview

Interviewees:

Sister Carmen (Volunteer)

Mr. Arturo Navarro Jauregui (guard and permanent collaborator of the organization)

Q: How long have you been working at the organization? In what area? What are your main responsibilities?

Sister Carmen: For over a year now, I’ve been alternating shifts with a colleague, each of us taking turns overseeing shifts and managing the kitchen. Additionally, I have responsibilities that extend beyond the kitchen itself. Because we follow different shifts, we collaborate and address situations together as they come up.

Q: In what context was the organization created?

Arturo: It started as a rehabilitation center for drug addicts and alcoholics, but the founder of the organization noticed that more and more migrants seeking refuge were arriving. So, the organization shifted its focus and decided to become a migrant shelter. El Refugio is located near the train tracks, where trains from Mexico City and Manzanillo converge. Migrants would get off there, looking for food and shelter, and that’s how they began to arrive. Over the years, with the help of donations, the shelter has expanded its facilities. During the construction process, they hired some of the migrants who were staying at El Refugio, and with the money they earned, they were able to continue their journey by bus. It has been a gradual process over several years for the organization to attain the facilities it has today. The International Red Cross also assisted us in constructing a structure and dormitories for volunteers through a project that we applied for prior to the pandemic.

Q: What can the organization do to help migrants?

Arturo: When an immigrant arrives sick, we take them to the nearby health center. We have an agreement with this center, and we use WhatsApp to schedule appointments for the patients. The health center provides medical attention to migrants without the need for documentation, thanks to the arrangement we have with them.

Sister Carmen: During the registration process, we gather information about their health condition. We carefully ask targeted questions to determine their overall well-being and whether they’re facing any notable discomfort. It’s common that during our initial assessment, we come across migrants who have arrived with injuries, fractures, and respiratory ailments. Among them, there are individuals who have a background of epilepsy, and accessing the essential care they need proves to be a challenge. Furthermore, we encounter cases of diabetes, and a significant number arrive without the medications they require. Our main focus is to gain an insight into their health requirements and offer suitable assistance based on their needs.

Q: Is the health center open to anyone in the community?

Arturo: Yes, the health center is open to everyone, but in this case, it specifically caters to migrants. Mexican nationals are asked for their CURP (Unique Population Registry Code), but migrants without documentation can receive medical attention, thanks to our agreement with the health center.

Sister Carmen: On weekdays, the health center operates its services for visitors. However, there are frequent instances when medical professionals are unavailable, and the pharmacy is not situated on the premises. Recognizing the remote origins of many migrants, the center places significant importance on assessing urgent and critical cases, providing aid whenever feasible. In situations where a doctor is absent, a backup physician tends to the sick. They diligently ensure the availability of essential medications for such cases. The center’s sustainability relies on contributions from diverse individuals and institutions. A particularly noteworthy monthly contribution is made by Laboratories Pisa, supplying respiratory medications and electrolyte solutions, with a focus on addressing the most crucial needs.

Q: What role does the organization play within its community?

Arturo: We have been here in the community for almost 11 years. People are aware of our work, thanks in part to the Father’s efforts in raising awareness during mass. Many individuals in the community support us by providing aid such as food, medicine, and clothing. The religious community also offers assistance, by bringing food or dinner, for example. The Father’s efforts in making the parish aware of our work have been instrumental, as we are committed to our mission of mercy of helping migrants as an act of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, providing shelter to the pilgrim, and assisting the sick.

Sister Carmen: Most people come and look for work in order to continue in their journey. They usually stay for 1-2 weeks. Venezuelans are the ones who stay the longest. They arrive, assess the situation, and sometimes they are able to find work. However, sometimes jobs are only available in shifts when El Refugio is closed.

Q: Do you have any other health-related support, or is the health center agreement the only one you have?

Arturo: We also have a doctor in the neighborhood who attends to migrants when the health center is closed. We call her, and she makes time to come to El Refugio.

Sister Carmen: We receive donations from various individuals and institutions. Pisa Laboratories provides a monthly donation for the respiratory area and serums, it’s the first thing that’s provided. Also, with FM4 Paso Libre, we are working on an arrangement that helps both parties.

Q: What happens in an emergency?

Arturo: If the doctor is unavailable, we send them to the Green Cross or the civil hospital.

Sister Carmen: We also analyze and try to assist urgent cases, but also the doctor who helps around here will directly assist the patient. We strive to have medication available for these critical cases.

Q: We had the opportunity to support a group of arriving migrants. How would you describe the reception process for these individuals?

Arturo: First, at the gate where the grille is located, we conduct the first filter. We ask who they are, where they come from, what they need, and what is offered to them. The first step is to distinguish between a migrant and a homeless person. A homeless person doesn’t know where they are going, so we ask, “What is your goal?” and they can’t answer. A migrant says, “I’m going to the border,” or “I’m heading to Piedras Negras,” “I’m going to Tijuana,” etc. (border cities). They also tell us where they come from, such as Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, etc.

Having established that the visitor is indeed a migrant, we ask them what they need. Sometimes, they say they need clothes, a backpack, or they just want to rest for a night or recover from illness or blistered feet. We accommodate them in the shelter, and when they have recovered or decide to leave, they can continue on their journey. For example, last week, we had a young man with a foot injury who stayed with us for two weeks. There was also another man with an arm injury from jumping off the train, and he stayed at El Refugio for almost a month.

Q: So, you also provide support for those who are sick and need to stay?

Arturo: Yes, they can stay until they feel better and decide to leave. Some people don’t want to travel by train because they’ve seen the risks and witnessed accidents, with some losing their limbs. Instead, they prefer to work and save money to travel by bus. We try to find them work here. For example, last week, four people left after finding jobs and getting their bus tickets.

Q: Has there been any change in the management and implementation of protocols/programs during and after the pandemic?

Arturo: When the pandemic started, we had to close the shelter. At that time, we had a large number of people, about 50. We told them they couldn’t go out to work anymore. Those who wanted to stay had to remain inside, and we provided them with food and basic services. Those who wanted to work were sent to some apartments owned by the organization, where they could stay for free for six months while they settled and could afford to pay rent. We closed the doors, and new migrants were not allowed to enter. We provided food outside, and we built bathrooms outside for them to clean themselves. Now, those who don’t want to enter the shelter can still use the outdoor showers.

Things have returned to normal now. As it’s a shelter for passing through, migrants usually stay for 1 to 3 days to rest. Some are sick and request more days to rest until they feel better, or they want to find a job.

Q: What challenges have you encountered in managing health within the organization?

Arturo: We have a nursing station and receive donated medicines, which allows us to offer support with non-prescription medications like painkillers or cold medicine.

Sister Carmen: We need access to a budget, a suitable nursing area, a doctor with a set schedule, and free access to medical studies. We need to be more attentive to how to inquire about their health situation because many times people say they are fine but they come in clearly injured, and we find later that they have fractured bones. Right now, coughs and flu are receiving special attention. In most cases, migrants don’t have a place to seek medical care.

Q: Do you think having a doctor or nurse on staff would be beneficial for the organization?

Arturo: Ideally, having a doctor or nurse who could provide medical care and treatment to migrants would be great. About four years ago, we had a nursing student doing their social service here, but the project was abandoned due to the pandemic. We would like to resume that program and have doctors, nurses, and even a psychologist to provide comprehensive services. Many migrants arrive with trauma from witnessing accidents or kidnappings involving the train, and they may have fears or delusions of persecution. Some women arrive beaten or abused. Providing comprehensive medical and psychological services is a challenge. Even if it’s only for those doing their social service, having doctors and psychologists would be beneficial, as having them permanently on staff is not financially feasible for us due to budget restrictions.

Reflections

Comparisons
A very important element of this investigation was the opportunity to discuss with our peers in another country about the organizations that they chose and the work that they conducted with them. While both organizations share the common goal of providing assistance to migrants, their specific focuses, challenges, and methods of engagement with the government, NGOs, and the local community differ significantly.

Similarities
Both CHARM in Kyoto and the El Refugio organizations prioritize addressing the health needs of migrants. CHARM focuses on migrants with infectious diseases, particularly HIV, while El Refugio attends to a broader range of health issues, including injuries, fractures and other conditions. This shared emphasis reflects the understanding that migrants often lack access to proper medical care during their journeys.

Both organizations recognize the need for systemic change in their respective countries’ policies regarding migrant healthcare. CHARM highlights the difficulties immigrants face in accessing treatment due to stricter visa regulations in Japan, and calls for a change in the country’s healthcare system. El Refugio, on the other hand, operates in an environment where migrants may not have easy access to healthcare services, which underscores the importance of their efforts in providing immediate assistance.

Differences
CHARM’s focus is predominantly on migrants with infectious diseases, offering interpretation and accompanying services to hospitals and town halls. In contrast, El Refugio has a broader scope, addressing immediate health needs such as injuries, alongside providing them food, clothing, accommodation, legal advice, and refuge to migrants facing challenging circumstances.
Another difference is that CHARM operates in Japan, where stricter visa regulations have created barriers to healthcare for migrants. This context influences CHARM’s advocacy for systemic change within the Japanese healthcare system. On the other hand, El Refugio operates in Mexico, focusing on the challenges faced by migrants passing through the country en route to the United States, thereby addressing issues of transit and temporary stay.

Also, the local communities’ attitudes toward the two organizations differ. El Refugio benefits from a receptive local community, likely due to shared experiences of marginalization. CHARM’s interaction with the local community in Japan is not specified but may encounter varying levels of acceptance given the unique socio-cultural context.

Conclusion 
With this very enriching exercise, we were able to see a broad panorama with an international vision, which allowed us to understand what are the most important challenges that people in human mobility face in terms of health. It was quite interesting to understand that despite the geographical distance there are many similarities between the situation of Japan and Mexico in relation to migrants. In both countries we can see how migration policies have come to infringe upon the rights of migrants, which is where organized civil society can intervene, becoming a key actor for the well-being of these people. In both cases, the organization is made up of individuals seeking to help, serving to counteract the actions or omissions of the State. However, in both cases, their work goes beyond the help they provide, and since they also carry out important activism work, in the case of CHARM in Japan, they talk about the importance of reforming the entire system that is making it impossible for migrants to access healthcare. Meanwhile El Refugio is part of a network of organizations in Mexico that not only protect, but also promote the human rights of migrants.

References

https://www.elrefugiogdl.org.mx/

Researchers

My name is Melissa. I am 23 years old and I recently finished my studies in International Relations. I have been involved in the migration field for a while now, which is why I have had the opportunity to be an exchange student in Mexico City where I took a class on Central America-Mexico-USA migration, working closely with a network of organizations in Jalisco as well as interning as a researcher focusing on migration and gender. I am very passionate about art, especially literature since in addition to reading I also like to produce my own writing where I can combine literature and theory from my degree.

Hello everyone! My name is Trisia Almanzor. I am 22 years old and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at ITESO. I am actively involved in a research project conducted by my university focusing on issues related to human mobility. Recently, I started working as an intern at a policy consulting firm, where I am gaining practical experience. I am particularly passionate about topics related to international cooperation and regional studies. Outside of academia, I find solace in music and was delighted to join an all-female rock band, adding an exciting new dimension to my off time.