The Darien Gap in Panama witnesses an upsurge in migrant movement, data reveals.
New stats show more people are crossing the Darien Gap into Panama than ever before. In 2023, around 166K crossings were recorded by the National Migration Service in Panama. But last year, that number shot up to 520K - a record high. And this year, we're already seeing a 40% increase in the number of kids taking the dangerous trek.
The Darien Gap, once considered nearly impossible to cross, has become a popular route for those seeking better opportunities. The Migration Service revealed that in the first six days of June 2024, a minimum of 4,499 people made the journey - 3,598 adults and 901 minors.
As the number of children making the dangerous trip rises, the Darien Gap is on track to see another record-breaking year for child migration. UNICEF estimated that 30K kids crossed the jungle in the first four months of 2024, with 2K being unaccompanied or separated from their families.
While Panamanian politicians are trying to tighten the nation's borders, the job will be difficult - the jungle is 266km long, and there are smugglers on both sides of the border willing to help risk-takers make the perilous journey. "Curbing the flow of people through the Darien is a challenging task," says Ariel Ruiz, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. "It's not just about controlling entry points, but also managing those who assist migrants in their passage."
The Darien Gap is a crucial passage for those looking to head to the US and Canada. The trek, spanning 66 miles (106 kilometers), takes them from Colombia to Panama and is packed with dangers, including robberies, attacks, kidnappings, diseases, wild animal attacks, and accidents. The UN Refugee agency, UNHCR, warns people about the many risks facing those who dare to travel through the jungle.
Recently, Panama's President-elect, José Raúl Mulino, expressed safety concerns and suggested a repatriation initiative for the hundreds of thousands of migrants passing through the area yearly. "I want to close the Darien," he said. "Those already here and those who plan to come will be returned to their country of origin."
However, as the jungle is so long, this plan may be hard to accomplish. Ruiz adds, "It's difficult in practice to reduce migration through the Darien. The issue goes beyond just managing entry points but understanding who's helping migrants get through."
