Darien Gap: Children Migrants Crossing the 'Donkey Route' Surges, Says UNICEF
More than 30,000 children have crossed the Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia in the first four months of this year, a 40% increase from last year. Many faces robbery, extortion, and sexual abuse by criminal gangs, according to UNICEF and MSF. LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images

In the initial four months of 2024, over 30,000 children ventured across the treacherous Darien Gap or "Donkey Route", an unforgiving expanse of jungle straddling Colombia-Panama border.

This figure marks a substantial 40% surge compared to the same period last year, as reported by the United Nations' children's agency, UNICEF.

Most of these minors, driven by hopes of reaching the United States, embarked on this perilous journey, seeking a better life, BBC reports.

However, their passage through this dense wilderness is fraught with dangers, including extortion, robbery, and the horrifying risk of sexual abuse.

UNICEF has been on the ground, providing vital assistance to these child migrants, offering essentials like water, sanitation, hygiene, and healthcare services.

Despite their efforts, the organization stresses the pressing requirement for more funding to meet the increasing needs of these at-risk children.

According to Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's Deputy Executive Director, the current influx of migrants demands enhanced support, with children constituting a significant portion of the travelers.

Without adequate funding, UNICEF's capacity to aid these children, irrespective of their origin or destination, remains constrained.

Tales of Hardship and Resilience

Echoing the sentiments of hardship, Ted Chaiban shared poignant narratives from his recent visit to the community of Bajo Chiquito in Panama.

He recounted the harrowing experiences of children like Esmeria, an 11-year-old from Venezuela, who was separated from her mother during the perilous jungle crossing.

Esmeria's tearful account unveiled the grim realities faced by these young travelers, navigating swollen rivers, hunger, and the constant fear of the unknown.

Her story, emblematic of countless others, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support mechanisms to safeguard the well-being of child migrants embarking on such arduous journeys, according to the United Nations.

Since 2018, UNICEF has been actively engaged in providing support to child migrants traversing the Darien Gap and Panama, offering a spectrum of services ranging from child protection to gender-based violence interventions.

Although facing difficulties due to the rough terrain and logistical challenges, UNICEF's unwavering commitment to these vulnerable populations remains steadfast.

However, with only a fraction of the required funding secured thus far, UNICEF appeals for greater financial assistance to bolster its efforts in addressing the pressing needs of migrant children and families.

Escalating Crisis and Calls for Action

The escalating number of minors navigating the perilous Donkey Route underscores the gravity of the situation, with projections indicating a 34% rise to an estimated 160,000 children by year-end.

This alarming trend, if left unaddressed, could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the region, News 18 noted.

Furthermore, the persistent challenges faced by migrants highlight the urgent need for coordinated, region-wide policies to ensure the rights and safety of individuals on the move.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized restrictive immigration policies in a report last November, highlighting migrant and asylum seeker risks crossing the Darien Gap.

The report details sexual violence and exploitation, urging policy reforms for migrant safety, says HRW's Americas Director Juanita Goedabertus.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Migrating to the US through the deadly Darien Gap | Fault Lines Documentary - From Al Jazeerah English