The Pan-American Highway offers a continuous road connecting the Americas. However, it encounters a single interruption: the challenging Darien Gap, a roughly 100-kilometer expanse of dense tropical jungle covering the northernmost part of Colombia and a significant portion of Panama’s southern province. This region, marked by its formidable terrain, sparse population, and absence of infrastructure, has, in recent years, become a significant passage for irregular migration, particularly for asylum seekers and migrants heading towards the United States.
Surging Migration Through the Darien Gap: Trends and Figures
Migration through the Darien Gap, while not entirely new, has escalated dramatically. In 2021, over 130,000 migrants successfully crossed this jungle, a sharp increase from an annual average of fewer than 11,000 in the preceding decade. By 2022, arrivals soared to nearly 250,000 people, and 2023 is poised to surpass that number, with over 500,000 people expected to cross. This challenging situation has led to increased efforts by governments on both sides of the border, with support and pressure from the United States, to address migration through the Darien. Despite these efforts, the flow of individuals through this route has remained robust, with over 81,000 people recorded crossing in August, the highest number on record.
Challenges and Perils: Crossing the Darien Gap
Crossing the Darien Gap is perilous due to challenging terrain, lack of infrastructure, and limited government and humanitarian assistance. Multiple routes exist, with varying degrees of danger and cost. Longer routes are often taken by those with fewer resources. The journey typically involves hiking through mountains, valleys, and rivers, with no cellphone signal. Many migrants run out of water and food, relying on rivers for sustenance, often leading to illness and dehydration. Numerous injuries occur, including broken bones and dislocated joints, and some migrants drown while attempting river crossings. Criminals and bandits operating in the jungle pose threats, including sexual violence and robberies. Limited services are available in Panama, with insufficient resources and accommodations for the vast number of arrivals. Conditions in migrant reception camps are subpar, with inadequate food, medical care, and sanitation. Children account for a growing percentage of crossers, with many arriving unaccompanied or separated from their parents.
Government Efforts in Controlling Darien Migration
Governments have attempted to curb migration through the Darien Gap through policies like “controlled flow.” Panama and Colombia formally agreed to limit migrant travel northward in April, with U.S. support. Despite these efforts, irregular migration has increased, and challenges in the region persist. Halting migration through this route is challenging, as it may lead to new, more perilous paths. Ongoing crises in origin countries are likely to drive continued migration, regardless of border control measures. Governments should focus on addressing the challenges migrants face in the Darien Gap and origin countries, creating legal pathways, and enhancing protection for all newcomers.