Human rights activists and relatives of missing Central American migrants are making their way to Mexico to protest against the killing, kidnap and abuse of migrants.
Groups of protesters came from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador as part of the “Step by Step Towards Peace” march, which aims to highlight the plight of undocumented migrants who undertake the perilous journey through Mexico towards the U.S. border.
The protesters will commence a week-long journey through Mexico, travelling on routes commonly used by Central American migrants. Along the way, they will meet activists who offer protection to migrants, as well as visiting a cemetery for undocumented migrants and holding a vigil in memory of those who are missing.
The journey will end when the group reaches Mexico City on August 1, where they will march to the Mexican Senate.
The UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, has stated her “grave concern” over recent attacks in Mexico against Central American migrants making their way to the U.S.
In June, Javier Sicilia, a poet whose son was murdered by a criminal gang, organized the “Caravan for Peace” campaign in protest against drug violence in Mexico.