At least 36 migrants died trying to cross the Darien

At least 36 migrants died trying to cross the Darien jungle in 2022

(EFE).- At least 36 migrants died in 2022 trying to cross the Darien Jungle on the Panama-Colombia border and one of the most dangerous routes in the world, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday .

The number, derived from data from the Missing Migrants Project (which provides daily updated information on people dying on migratory routes around the world), may be “only a small fraction of the actual number of lives lost” in the area , the IOM warns in a statement.

“Many migrants die in the Darién Gap without their remains being recovered or notified,” stresses the organization, which calls for the establishment of “safe, orderly, and regular alternate routes to prevent migrants from being placed in a situation of vulnerability.”

The number of migrants crossing the Darién almost doubled compared to 2021, rising to nearly 250,000, including nearly 6,000 Cubans

IOM also calls for an investigation into human smuggling networks and increased investment and support in migrant host communities.

The United Nations agency gives the figure a week after the Panamanian government reported that the number of migrants crossing the Darién almost doubled in 2022 compared to 2021, rising to nearly 250,000 (including 150,000 Venezuelans, 29,000 Ecuadorians, 22,000 Haitians and almost 6,000 Cubans). .

This increase, according to the IOM, “coincides with the deterioration of economic and social conditions in the countries of origin and across Latin America,” a situation that the organization says must be addressed “with a coordinated regional response and international cooperation that are urgent.” humanitarian needs”.

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