The number of unaccompanied children and adolescents crossing the border between Panama and Colombia through the dangerous Darien jungle grew by 35% until November 2024, according to information released by UNICEF on Wednesday.
The agency disclosed that the number of minors identified as separated or unaccompanied reached 4,476 cases until November of this year, compared to just over 3,000 reported in November 2023 and 3,300 reported in December 2023.
According to UNICEF, unaccompanied migrant adolescents face increased risks, including educational exclusion, sexual violence, trafficking, exploitation and abuse.
One change that stands out is the age of the minors; About 60% of those who have traveled through the Darién jungle this year are between 13 and 17 years old, a significant change compared to previous years, when the majority were children under 5 years old.
And although between January and November 2024, the number of children and adolescents who entered Panama through Darién was reduced by 40%, compared to the same period in 2023, the number is still significant, 63,647. Furthermore, one in every 5 people who arrived is a minor.
The total number of migrants passing through the Darien border has also decreased by 41%; There were 300,549 this year, while in 2023 511,103 irregular migrants were registered according to the most recent figures from the National Immigration Service of Panama.
The nationalities with the greatest migratory presence are from countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, China and Haiti.
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