June 9
Casa del Caminante Jtatic Samuel Ruiz García, Palenque, Chiapas
We were welcomed by Evelinda Ramírez and Joselyn Xaltipa. We started with a tour of the facilities of the house, they showed us the reception area and the regulations that all people must follow in order to stay inside. We went to the dining area and offices of partner organizations where a map of the Mexican Republic is painted with the train routes and shelters. Walking through the corridors we observe the effective distribution of the shelter and how organized it is; for example, the area where space for people who will stay up to 45 days is separated from migrants who are only passing through, to avoid contagion by COVID-19. To convey a solid foundation for coexistence, there are areas to rest, for the volunteers, and a kitchen with a dining room. Also, there is a space where children can play and share a recreational and educational activities with Save The Children.
Sister María del Carmen Ramírez, the director of shelter, received us in the office where the check-in and check-out times are posted. We talked about the risks they face every day: violence, insecurity and discrimination, and the support they have from COMAR to find work for migrants. Palenque is a tourist spot and there are more job opportunities. One point that Sister María and Evelinda highlighted was to give people a week to rest so that they can adapt, and then afterwards, they have the responsibility to look for work so that they can take ownership of their lives again. And although they are in another country far from home, they should not forget that life goes on and they have to fend for themselves so that when their 45 days are up they can leave the house after a decent rest and the tools to continue on their way.
The Franciscan Network for Migrants appreciates the support and constant collaboration of the Quixote Center. This visit was the first and we are in the dialogue to plan more to the southern border of Mexico. We also thank the migrant shelters who received us despite their many commitments. We admire the hard work they do every day in defending migrant human rights. It doesn’t matter if we are from different religions, religious or lay people, we are always willing to collaborate for our brothers and sisters. We hope to meet again soon!