The number of migrants who have crossed irregularly into Panama after embarking on the dangerous route through the Darién Jungle reached a record number in 2022, doubling that of last year. According to the Government of Panama, almost 250,000 people have crossed into that country in 2022, compared to about 133,000 in 2021.
The number of Venezuelans following this route increased some 50 times last year compared to 2021, reaching 150,327. Venezuelan nationals were followed in number by Ecuadorians (29,356), Haitians (22,435), and Cubans (5,961). Of the total, about 28% were women and 72% were menwhile 16% were represented by children and adolescents.
According to data from IOM Missing Migrants Project36 people lost their lives in the Darien Jungle in 2022.
However, known cases seem to indicate that many migrants die in the Darién Jungle and their remains are neither reported nor recovered, so this figure represents only a small fraction of the true number of lives lost.
“The stories we’ve heard from those who crossed the Darien Jungle are testimony of the horrors that this journey involves”, said Giuseppe Loprete, head of mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Panama.
The mark on the survivors
Loprete explained that many migrants “have lost their lives or have disappeared while others have managed to cross it, but now have significant health problems, both physical and mentalto which we and our partners are responding.”
The UN agency and its partners are increasing the response in Panama, providing temporary shelter in reception centers coordinated by the Government, mattresses, blankets, solar lamps, medicines, food and hygiene kits.
IOM also continues to coordinate work with government institutions throughout the region, strengthening capacities related to border and migration management and promoting access to regularization programs.
Loprete points out that the mixed migratory flows that transit throughout the region are complex and dynamic.
A migrant arrived in Lajas Blancas, Panama, with his feet covered in blood.
Deterioration of the economic situation
Last year’s record numbers coincided with deteriorating economic and social conditions in countries of origin and throughout Latin America. The response to this situation will continue to demand a coordinated regional response and international cooperation in order to address urgent humanitarian and protection needs and the corresponding policy challenges.
In this context, the International Organization for Migration advocates the establishment of safe, orderly and regular migration routes, channels and mechanisms, to protect the rights of migrants in transit and to prevent situations of vulnerability associated with irregular migration and human trafficking. migrants, among other dangers.
The IOM also demands investigation and prosecution of traffickers and increased support and investment in host communities to strengthen services that benefit both migrants and refugees and the local population.
