PANAMA CITY (Reuters) – The United Nations has urged countries to collaborate in addressing the increasing number of migrants and refugees attempting to cross the dangerous Darien Gap, a jungle region connecting Panama and Colombia, and making their way to the United States.
Official data reveals that between January and July, a staggering 248,901 individuals have traversed this hazardous stretch, surpassing the record high observed in all of 2022.
In a joint statement, the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) emphasized the urgency for combined efforts to tackle the underlying causes behind forced displacement and irregular migration. They also stressed the need to establish additional routes by which individuals can obtain regular immigration status.
“The perilous journey through the Darien jungle is not only a testament to the desperation and determination of those seeking a better life, but a grim reminder of the urgency of updating our migration systems,” stated IOM Director Michele Klein Solomon.
The majority of migrants crossing the Darien Gap are from Venezuela, followed by Haitians and Ecuadorians as the second and third largest groups, respectively.
The UN foresees that the number of crossings through this jungle region will exceed 400,000 in the current year, a significant increase from the approximately 250,000 recorded in 2022.
(Reporting by Elida Moreno. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
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