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-Editorial
At the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro, Congresswoman Nora Yessica Merino Escamilla of the Labor Party (PT) introduced an initiative to amend Articles 6 and 29, and add Article 9 Bis to the Migration Law. The goal of the proposal, which was referred to the Migration Affairs Commission, is to establish specific services and protocols to ensure the comprehensive protection and physical and emotional well-being of unaccompanied migrant minors in Mexico.
The amendment to Article 6 proposes that unaccompanied migrant minors be entitled to comprehensive health care, psychological support, and access to education during their stay in Mexico. These services would be provided in shelters meeting the protection standards outlined in the General Law on the Rights of Children and Adolescents.
In Article 29, the legislator calls for the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF), along with state and Mexico City DIF systems, to implement individualized psychological support protocols and risk assessments for each unaccompanied minor.
Additionally, the new Article 9 Bis specifies that minors have the right to be housed in safe shelters staffed by personnel trained to care for vulnerable children. These facilities must meet national and international human rights standards and provide personalized attention.
Merino Escamilla emphasized that Mexico, as a country of origin, transit, destination, and return for migrants, has a crucial responsibility to protect unaccompanied minors, who are especially vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation. While the Migration Law acknowledges the need to protect this group, the legislator noted that current provisions are insufficient. “There are serious deficiencies in addressing these groups. Instead of receiving protection, they are exposed to greater dangers. It is urgent to improve care protocols,” she stated.
The initiative aims to establish a robust legal framework that provides unaccompanied minors with access to health services, education, psychological support, and specialized infrastructure to ensure a safe and dignified environment while their migration status is resolved. It also seeks to train personnel responsible for their care to identify and respond appropriately to their specific needs.
Merino Escamilla highlighted that implementing these measures would not only improve the quality of life for unaccompanied migrant minors but also enable Mexico to comply with international human rights standards. The proposal seeks to transform the current protection system, ensuring that unaccompanied minors receive comprehensive and adequate care during their time in the country.
