Mexico

Mexico has long been subject to widespread corruption and the effects of criminal drug-trafficking organisations (DTOs). Violence has been concentrated in the major drug trafficking zones of Mexico’s northern, central, and Pacific states, which experience both fighting between national forces and drug trafficking organisations (DTOs) and internal fighting between DTOs. In recent years, criminal groups have fragmented, making the violence increasingly localised and contributing to increased homicide rates.?

Gang-related violence in Mexico compromises livelihoods and security, especially among more vulnerable and poorer communities. Studies have shown that DTO activities and high rates of drug-related homicides undermine local economies by lowering production, which in turn reduces both the number of workers and salaries. Civilians living in areas under cartel control may be subject to extortion, daily harassment, and forced displacement through violence. Four of the six cities with the highest murder rates in the world are in Mexico including Tijuana, which is located along the US-Mexico border where many migrants and asylum seekers reside.?

Mexico is a major transit country for migrants and asylum seekers travelling towards the US. It has many migration routes throughout the country and houses many migrants and asylum seekers along its northern border. ?

The country is subject to climatic events including floods, landslides, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes and tsunamis. Mexico is located along the so-called “fire belt”, where 80% of the world’s seismic activity occurs, and almost all its territory is highly exposed to earthquake risk. The high population density of its capital, Mexico City, and of states like Veracruz, Jalisco, and Puebla, coupled with this exposure have placed Mexico as one of the highest at-risk nations in Latin America. ?