Migrants describe crossing Guatemala as one of the most difficult parts of their migration journey

"We had not had any difficulties on the way to Guatemala; they shot at the bus, but nothing happened to us." These are the words of Edinberto, a 36-year-old Colombian man who decided to leave his country in search of a better life for his family. He recounts the event with apparent tranquility, but he witnessed an attack on a bus with several migrants. His story is just one of hundreds that reveal.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute, in 2023 there was an increase in the number of homicides in 118 municipalities (34.7 percent of the national total) compared to 2022. A concentration of homicides was also observed in the center of the country and in municipalities bordering Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.

In the last two years, at the border care points of Tecún Umán (San Marcos) and Esquipulas (Chiquimula), MSF has seen the serious consequences and needs of the population in transit in Guatemala. ​

For Ediberto, the journey has been very hard and exhausting, especially the extortion suffered: "The people of each country know that we are migrants; they want to take our money in one way or another, whether in a good or bad way.". Guatemala is no exception.

More women, children and adolescents in transit suffer abuse ​

In recent years, MSF has observed a change in the profiles of migrants, with a greater presence of mothers, fathers and families with children, adolescents and elderly people overcoming innumerable difficulties and risks while seeking a better future. These risks include abuse, arbitrary detentions and inhumane economic sanctions that take away their dignity and well-being. ​

In 2023, the organization documented more than 2,000 survivors of violence and more than 3,500 incidents of violence and rights violations in the country. For 274 people, incidents of extortion, persecution and gender-based violence were determining factors for leaving their countries. "Here in Guatemala, we have seen people with guns,” said Ediberto. “The buses fight on the road and drive very fast.”

These conditions seriously affect physical and mental health, leading to stress, depression, psychological trauma and grief due to the experiences of the journey. In addition, the difficult conditions in which migrants travel often result in respiratory infections, acute diarrhea, skin conditions and gastrointestinal illnesses. The number of cases continues to increase. In 2023 alone, the organization provided more than 12,500 comprehensive consultations at the country's service points.

Stories that narrate violence

In addition to the services it offers, MSF has documented the experiences of migrants, both in stories and through letter writing. In excerpts from the letters, migrants express their experiences and expectations as they pass through Guatemala.

Many highlight the need for more empathy towards them, as they only want to cross the country and fulfill their dreams. "If you want to migrate, don't bring your family, and I tell Guatemalans to be more supportive because we just want to move forward; we are not going to stay in their country," said Edinberto.

At points of care, MSF teams also hear stories of xenophobia, extortion, threats and sexual violence. Many recount their journey through Guatemala as the most difficult, highlighting abuses, unjust detentions and economic sanctions.

Every day, thousands of people flee from their homes in search of safety, only to face more violence and abuses along the way, a crisis that requires a global response. Doctors without Borders /Médecins Sans Frontières calls on governments and authorities in transit countries to put in place mechanisms to end violence and abuses along migratory routes, as well as to guarantee the protection of migrants, with special attention to children and women who make up a large part of the migrants. Ensuring humanitarian assistance to all migrants is a right.