The Panamanian authorities estimate that around 400,000 people will cross the Darien jungle this year on their journey north, almost double the more than 248,000 who did in 2022.
Some 87,390 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a dangerous passage between Panama and Colombia, during the first three months of 2023. Venezuelans represented 34.61% (30,250) of the people who transited this migratory route, used as part of the transit to USA.
According to a report released by the National Migration Service (SNM) of Panama, this represents seven times the number of migrants who used the Darién during the first quarter of 2022 (13,796 people).
In addition to the Venezuelans, Panama Migration registered 23,640 Haitian migrants, 14,227 Ecuadorians; 3,855 Chinese, 2,543 from India, 2,499 Chileans, 2,230 Brazilians, as well as people from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Somalia and Peru.
During the month of March, the largest number of migrants who transited through the Darién jungle was registered, with 38,099, while February totaled 24,657 and January 24,634.
*Read also: IOM registered an increase in migratory flow in 2022 with Venezuelan leadership
Of those who crossed the Darién jungle in March, 30,929 were adults and 7,170 children and adolescents.
The Panamanian authorities and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) have shown their concern about the growing number of children and adolescents who arrive in Panama through the Darién jungle, many of them accompanied by their families, but also alone.
“We have had the testimony of people who even leave them abandoned in the jungle because they cannot handle them,” said the director of the National Migration Service, Samira Gozaine, who also urged “begin to make decisions” in relation to this matter.
“We believe that all countries have to reach an agreement, to ensure that we protect the well-being of these children, who through this jungle suffer harassment,” the official reiterated.
Panamanian authorities calculate that around 400,000 people will cross the Darien jungle this year on their journey north, almost double the more than 248,000 who did in 2022.
With information from We monitor
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