Posted: Friday, January 3, 2025. 9:11 am CST.
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Panama has reported a significant decline in the number of migrants crossing the perilous Darien Gap in 2024, with around 300,000 people making the dangerous journey—down from nearly half a million in 2023, a record high.
The Darien Gap, a treacherous land route linking South and Central America, is a key passage for migrants heading to the United States.
President Jose Raul Mulino, who took office in July 2024, has adopted a strict approach to migration, aiming to stop Panama from being a transit point.
“The Darien migration routes were controlled – there used to be several- and today we work day by day so that this illegal migration does not reach Panama City or the rest of the country,” Mulino said.
The gap, characterized by dense jungle and limited infrastructure, poses severe dangers, including robbery, violence, human trafficking, and abuse, Reuters report.
While most migrants are from Venezuela, fleeing economic turmoil, others come from countries as far as China and India.
In response, Panama has fenced off parts of the Darien, imposed fines, and deported migrants using U.S.-funded flights as part of a deal with the Biden administration.
However, Human Rights Watch has criticized Panama for not adequately protecting or assisting the migrants crossing the dangerous terrain.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post International News: Panama sees drop in migration across dangerous Darien Gap appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, January 3, 2025. 9:11 am CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Panama has reported a significant decline in the number of migrants crossing the perilous
The post International News: Panama sees drop in migration across dangerous Darien Gap appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
