Los riesgos que enfrentan los migrantes por el paso en el Tapón del Darién

Abstract

Irregular migration is one of the most complex phenomena of the 21st century, and in Latin America it has a critical transit point toward North America in the Darién jungle. This territory, located between Colombia and Panama, has become a strategic corridor for human mobility, but also a setting of severe humanitarian risks, human rights violations, human trafficking, and environmental degradation. The geographic isolation and high biodiversity of the Darién have facilitated irregular migrant transit and the operation of criminal networks, generating a humanitarian and ecological crisis. Figures reveal the magnitude of the problem: thousands of people cross the jungle each year, with a significant number of deaths and disappearances, demonstrating the insufficiency of existing protection measures. In addition, the migratory profile has changed, with a notable increase in Venezuelan migrants in recent years. The journey involves extreme risks, such as violence, sexual abuse, disease, and extortion, particularly affecting women and children. At the same time, human trafficking has become a recurring practice in the region. The environmental impact of massive transit is also considerable, including deforestation and ecosystem degradation that affect Indigenous and rural communities. In light of this situation, the text highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates human rights, environmental conservation, and regional security through international cooperation and effective public policies. Finally, the work is organized into two chapters: one devoted to the analysis of irregular migration and human trafficking in the Darién, and another focused on the responses of Colombia and Panama, in order to assess their effectiveness and propose improvements in institutional coordination and migrant protection.