The number of children and adolescents attempting to migrate across the Darien Gap, a region of inaccessible swamps and mountain forests between Colombia and Panama, has increased dramatically. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday that their number may increase by 34 percent to 160,000 this year.
UNICEF said in a statement that the large number of teenagers crossing the Darien Gap into the US highlighted a “long-term crisis”. According to the agency, current data shows that a record number of minors have migrated through this dangerous route for the fifth time in a row this year.
Darien Gap is not suitable for children. Many children died while crossing this difficult and dangerous route. Even women have given birth on this path. In this, new life has come to earth in the most difficult circumstances.
Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director
According to statistics, in the first four months of this year, more than 30,000 child-adolescent migrants crossed that route. This number is 40 percent higher than the same period last year. 2,000 of them had no companions. That is, they were separated from their families.
In the first four months of this year, more than 30,000 child-adolescent migrants crossed that route. This number is 40 percent higher than the same period last year. 2,000 of them had no companions. That is, they were separated from their families.
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban was quoted as saying in the statement, “The Darien Gap is not suitable for the movement of children.” Many children died while crossing this difficult and dangerous route. Even women have given birth on this path. In this, new life has come to earth in the most difficult circumstances.
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Ted Chaiban also said that one-fifth of the migrants who walk through this inaccessible forest are children.
A record-breaking 520,000 migrants traveled through the Darien Gap last year as well.
Earlier this month, Panamanian voters elected Jose Raul Mulino as president. He will take charge next July. Jose Raul has promised to close this migration route.
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