Introduction and Key Participants
On Sunday, a new Multiservice Center (CMS-T) was inaugurated in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, to provide comprehensive and human rights-focused assistance to asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals seeking complementary protection benefits in Mexico. The event was attended by notable figures, including:
- Arturo Medina, Mexico’s Undersecretary of Human Rights, Population, and Migration
- Eduardo Ramírez, Governor of Chiapas
- Xadeni Méndez, General Coordinator of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid (COMAR)
- Giovanni Lepri, ACNUR Representative in Mexico
- Yamil Melgar, Mayor of Tapachula
- Juan Carlos Moreno, Presiding Magistrate of the State Judicial Power
- Cameron MacKay, Canadian Ambassador to Mexico
Purpose and Significance of the CMS-T
Arturo Medina, Mexico’s Undersecretary of Human Rights, Population, and Migration, emphasized that the CMS-T reflects Mexico’s commitment to those seeking international protection within the country. In 2024, Tapachula received 65% of asylum requests in Mexico, making the new COMAR headquarters crucial for addressing the growing number of trámites and services related to asylum matters.
Interdisciplinary Model and Collaboration
The CMS-T will implement an interdisciplinary model, bringing together various institutions, civil society organizations, and international agencies to provide comprehensive support. This collaboration aims to ensure orderly and coordinated processes throughout the asylum recognition procedure, working closely with authorities from all levels of government, international organizations, and civil society.
Services Offered at the CMS-T
The new center, constructed on land donated by the Chiapas state government, will offer a wide range of services, including:
- Legal advice and documentation
- Medical and psychosocial assistance
- Support for unaccompanied minors, including girls, boys, and adolescents
- Job offers and well-being programs
Advancements in Protection and Integration Policies
Xadeni Méndez, COMAR’s General Coordinator, highlighted that the CMS-T opening marks progress in Mexico’s protection and integration policies for individuals requiring international protection. The center will strengthen institutional capacity to guarantee the right to apply for and receive asylum at the southern border while advancing towards a unique regional model for sustainable solutions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the new CMS-T in Tapachula? The CMS-T aims to provide comprehensive and human rights-focused assistance to asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals seeking complementary protection benefits in Mexico.
- Who attended the CMS-T inauguration? Notable attendees included Arturo Medina, Eduardo Ramírez, Xadeni Méndez, Giovanni Lepri, Yamil Melgar, Juan Carlos Moreno, and Cameron MacKay.
- What services will be offered at the CMS-T? The center will provide legal advice, medical and psychosocial assistance, support for unaccompanied minors, job offers, and well-being programs.
- Why is the CMS-T significant for Mexico’s asylum system? The CMS-T is crucial for addressing the growing number of asylum-related trámites and services in Mexico, ensuring orderly and coordinated processes throughout the asylum recognition procedure.
