I wonder if any of you know what a migrant shelter is?

Most people in the Western world who read their daily news are often bombarded with scenes of murders, kidnappings, shootings and illegal immigration on the US/Mexican border when they turn to the Latin American section.

We’re well informed about how many Mexican immigrants are caught crossing the border every year, searching for a better life for themselves and their families. We’re even well aware of the US extremists who take it upon themselves to guard the border with their multiple weapons of choice to protect the ‘American dream’.

What we’re not made more aware of are the migrants who begin their journey from Central America, through Mexico with hopes to cross the US border.

Today the BBC ran a news story that 500 migrants from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador were discovered in the backs of trucks in Chiapas heading towards the US.

The BBC details the ‘inhumane conditions’ these people were living in and note the statistics for immigrants found trying to cross the border every year.

What they don’t discuss are the horrific – and often ignored – circumstances they fall into just crossing into Mexico.

Hundreds and thousands of people cross into Mexico every year with hopes of reaching the United States in search of a better life. What they don’t realise is that they’re easy targets to gangs, criminals and even some public officials of Mexico’s seedy underworld.

Every day, groups of Central and South Americans are accosted by armed gangs looking to steal every last penny from them. Most have nothing but the clothes on their back. Those who can’t bring forward the money are tortured, raped and, eventually, killed.

Six out of ten women who attempt the journey are sexually abused and, once they arrive at the few migrant shelters available to provide warmth, food and rest for the travellers, ask for the contraceptive injection. They know they’re going to be raped on their journey so they prepare themselves in advance.

For years the Mexican government have refused to acknowledge what is happening to these migrants. Families and friends left behind in their home countries are left without any idea of what has happened to their loved ones.

To give you a clearer understanding of what I’m talking about, I urge you, plead with you, to watch this short film created by Amnesty International. Altogether, these parts only make up 20 minutes of your time – Ignorance (like the government is showing) is no excuse.

Watch as the people seeking a better life explain how ashamed and embarassed they are to be Latino, convinced that this is the reason they are treated so poorly.

I cried for them. I cried for their families. I cried because there is nothing being done to stop the inhumanity.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Amnesty International have a section on their website allowing you to sign your name to a letter to the President, Felipe Calderón, asking him to stand up and acknowledge what is happening and protect these invisible victims. Deaths go largely unnoticed and more happen every day. I was horrified to discover that only 2674 signatures have been attained.  This isn’t right.

“Poor people are the spiritual reserve of the world.”