Collaborative Effort Between Mexico’s Secretariat of Government and Comisión Mexicana de Ayuda a Refugiados (COMAR)
Introduction:
The Mexican Secretariat of Government, through the Comisión Mexicana de Ayuda a Refugiados (COMAR), and Financiera para el Bienestar (Finabien) have signed an interinstitutional collaboration agreement. This agreement aims to ensure that individuals seeking refugee status, refugees, and beneficiaries of complementary protection have access to financial services in Mexico.
Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum:
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, has emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and not using state force to suppress people. These universal principles of human rights and freedoms also apply to individuals in forced migration contexts, including asylum seekers, refugees, and beneficiaries of protection.
Rocío Mejía Flores:
Rocío Mejía Flores, General Director of Finabien, reaffirmed the commitment to support refugees by providing secure, accessible, and low-cost tools for managing resources and receiving/sending family remittances.
Key Aspects of the Agreement
- Inclusion Financial Mechanisms: The agreement implements mechanisms for financial inclusion, institutional guidance, and programs promoting self-sufficiency and the well-being of individuals with international protection needs.
- Tracking System: The agreement establishes a tracking system through designated links, operating under a human rights respect framework, transparency, and confidentiality.
- Remittances Facilitation: Finabien currently facilitates remittance payments in 1,700 branches nationwide through agreements with 40 US-based money transfer companies and its digital application. By the end of 2024, Finabien received nearly $2 billion annually through remittances and offers savings, investment, and social-focus credit services.
- Collective Integration Effort: COMAR’s General Coordinator, Xadeni Méndez Márquez, highlighted that the agreement emphasizes that integrating individuals seeking refugee status is a collective task requiring firm public policies, strategic alliances, and long-term vision.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: What is the purpose of this agreement between COMAR and Finabien?
- Question: Who are Claudia Sheinbaum and Rocío Mejía Flores, and why are they relevant to this agreement?
- Question: How does Finabien facilitate remittances for refugees?
- Question: What does this agreement mean for the integration of refugees in Mexico?
Answer: The agreement aims to ensure that refugees, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of complementary protection have access to financial services in Mexico.
Answer: Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City, emphasizing human rights respect. Rocío Mejía Flores is the General Director of Finabien, committed to supporting refugees with secure and accessible financial tools.
Answer: Finabien enables remittance payments through 1,700 branches nationwide, agreements with 40 US-based money transfer companies, and a digital application. By the end of 2024, Finabien received nearly $2 billion annually through remittances.
Answer: The agreement underscores that integrating refugees is a collective task requiring firm public policies, strategic alliances, and long-term vision to ensure their stories transform into tales of inclusion, dignity, and hope.
