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Migrants Face Jaguars, Gangs in Darién Gap Peril
9 Dec
Summary
- The Darién Gap is a dangerous, roadless jungle on the Panama-Colombia border.
- Migrants face threats from predators, gangs, and sexual violence on the route.
- US crackdowns have led to a significant decrease in crossings this year.
The Darién Gap, a notoriously dangerous and roadless region straddling the Panama-Colombia border, poses extreme risks for migrants. This isolated jungle is a critical pathway for individuals journeying from countries like Haiti and Venezuela towards North America.
Migrants endure harrowing conditions, confronting natural dangers such as jaguars, crocodiles, and venomous snakes. Beyond wildlife, they face severe threats from criminal gangs and terrorist organizations that target vulnerable populations for robbery and kidnapping. Women and girls are especially at risk of abduction and sex trafficking, with sexual violence being prevalent.
Recent enforcement actions by the US government have led to a substantial decrease in crossings through the Darién Gap. Official advisories caution against this route due to the presence of armed groups and drug trafficking, highlighting the extreme dangers and lack of safe passage.
