The Archdiocese of Xalapa, Mexico is warning that the abuse suffered
by Central Americans traveling through Mexico is “an evident sign of
societal decay.”
The archdiocese added in a Jan. 23 statement that Christians must not
remain indifferent to the injustice.
The message was sent in order to
raise awareness of the mistreatment suffered by Central American
migrants on their way to the United States.
The statement noted that being a Christian is not only about fighting
against personal sin but also about working for a more just and kind
world.
Mexico and Honduras need to improve relations in order “to ensure the
security and unrestricted transit” of immigrants, the archdiocese
continued. The “State Commission on Human Rights should also insist that
the humiliations, abuse, kidnappings and extortion of all of these
brothers and sisters of ours cease.”
The archdiocese thanked the priests, religious and laity who “as good
Samaritans,” offer food, shelter and clothing “to those most in need.”
A serious problem
On Jan. 6, Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission reported that in
2010 there were 214 cases of migrant kidnappings.
One of the most
chilling cases took place last August when 72 migrants from Central and
South American were murdered by members of Mexico's drug gangs.
At the time, Archbishop Jose Luis Escobar of San Salvador, El
Salvador condemned the massacre and asked that agreements be established
to protect the undocumented.
SIC: CNA/INT'L