According to recent data from the Panamanian government, the number of individuals who successfully traversed the dangerous Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama in 2023 reached a record high of 520,000, which is more than double the previous year’s reported figure.
According to data from Panama’s migration agency, the majority of individuals who embarked on the perilous journey from South America to the United States last year came from Venezuela, Ecuador, Haiti, and China.
Samira Gozaine, the agency’s leader, reported that approximately 25% of those who crossed were under the age of 18.
She informed the press that this is an issue of national security. Regrettably, there is not a rapid resolution readily available.
Ever since Laurentino Cortizo became president of Panama in 2019, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals passing through the Darién region, prompting officials to request assistance from the international community.
The current circumstances have been influenced, to some extent, by a significant rise in the number of Venezuelans escaping the prolonged economic and social breakdown of their previously prosperous oil-rich nation. According to the United Nations, over 7 million Venezuelans have left their country in recent years.
The challenging environment of the Darién’s wet rainforests has historically hindered widespread transportation in the region, as there are limited roads and minimal government presence. For many years, armed drug cartels have held control over the area.
However, it is still the sole terrestrial route linking South America and Central America.
Individuals who traverse the Darién region put themselves at risk of experiencing violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and illness. In September, Reuters disclosed that African migrants en route to the United States are choosing to fly to Nicaragua as a way to avoid the hazards of the treacherous Darién Gap.
The number of Chinese individuals embarking on the dangerous trek has increased, partially due to Covid restrictions impacting the economy and making it harder for Chinese citizens to obtain US visas.
Source: theguardian.com
