The flow of illegal migrants crossing the Darien jungle, which straddles the border between Panama and Colombia and is described by many migrant groups as “the most dangerous forest in the world,” has increased to unprecedented levels. in the year 2022.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 250,000 people, mainly from Venezuela and Ecuador, hiked through the Darien forest last year, nearly double the number recorded in 2021 of 133,000. , of which the majority are Haitian citizens.
The UN agency pointed out that this increase coincided with a deterioration of economic and social conditions in many Latin American countries, the need for a coordinated regional response and international cooperation. economy to address pressing humanitarian needs.
In a report released on January 17, the IOM forecast this phenomenon will continue this year, though likely to a lesser extent and in other forms following the introduction of new immigration regulations in the US.
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The document also states that at least 36 migrants have died in 2022 trying to cross this dangerous route, and the actual number could be many times as many as many people have lost on the journey and the bodies of many migrants. they were not found.
The IOM, made up of 175 member countries, supports the establishment of safe, orderly and regular migration routes, channels and mechanisms, to protect the rights of migrants in transit and to prevent extreme situations. Vulnerability related to migrate illegality and migrant trafficking, among other dangers.
In addition, the IOM calls for the investigation and prosecution of traffickers and support for the illegal movement of migrants; invest more in host communities to enhance services that benefit both migrants and people refugee as well as local people.
In just the first two weeks of this year, Panama’s Immigration Authority said it had detected hundreds of immigrant illegally crossed the Darien jungle but did not disclose the nationality of these people.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants transit through the Darien jungle – a mandatory bottleneck for those who illegal immigration by road from South America to North America, despite the harsh nature, harsh weather and crimes such as human trafficking, robbery, extortion and sexual abuse.
Mai Phuong (VNA/Vietnam+)