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Reported migrant expulsions from the US have left families with young children "distraught and disorientated" in overcrowded shelters in Mexico, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday.
The development followed border policy reforms recently introduced by the Biden Administration, which include the reported intention to expand the use of the COVID-19 pandemic-related "Title 42" public health order.
UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo described the humanitarian situation at the border as “serious”.
She noted that from 6 to 10 January, an estimated 531 Cubans and 141 Nicaraguans had been deported from the United States, under the “Title 42” public health order.
Shelters for the new arrivals are overcrowded and many have been forced to sleep in tents without adequate clothing, Ms. Mantoo said, adding that there was an urgent need for food, hygiene kits and documentation advice.
The development follows last week’s warning from UN human rights chief Volker Türk that the US reform would permit the “fast-track expulsion to Mexico” of 30,000 Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans and Nicaraguans each month.
ends
STORY: US-Mexico border expulsions - UNHCR
TRT: 1’35”
SOURCE: UNTV CH
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
ASPECT RATIO: 16:9
DATELINE: 17 January 2023
HYBRID PRESS BRIEFING
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
SHOTLIST
- SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Shabia Mantoo, UNHCR Spokesperson:
“According to information gathered by UNHCR-IOM in the field. We have seen that there have been some expulsions to Mexico under Title 42 already. So, I don't have the latest numbers, but I've got estimates. Between 6th and 7th of January they were approximately 531 Cubans and 141 Nicaraguans. But as I mentioned, this is just for that period.”
“So this is this is happening. And we know that the humanitarian situation at the border is serious. Families with young children are arriving distraught and disoriented, shelters are overcrowded, and many people are staying in outdoor tents with adequate clear clothing for lower temperatures overnight. So, we know that there are urgent needs for shelter, food assistance and shelter materials, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits and so on, as well as legal temporary documentation in Mexico.”
“UNHCR and partners are providing protection, counseling and orientation to people that have been expelled under Title 42 to Mexico on their options to access protection. However, the current needs exceed the existing capacity, but we're also working with shelters along Mexico's northern border to expand reception capacity with infrastructure and to be able to provide relief.”
- Medium shot of the speakers on the podium at press conference room.
- Cutaway medium lateral shot of journalists writing on their laptops.
- Closer shot of UN Staff members in the press conference room.
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