Seven-fold increase in the number of children walking through the Panamanian jungle towards North Am

Seven-fold increase in the number of children walking through the Panamanian jungle towards North America this year

30 March 2023




PANAMA CITY, 30 March 2023 - The number of children crossing the dangerous Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama by foot has increased seven-fold in the first two months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, UNICEF warned today.

In January and February of this year, close to 9,700 children have crossed the Darien Gap towards North America. Most are expected to make their way toward the United States.

The figure is the highest number ever recorded in a two-month period. During the same period last year, less than 1,400 were registered by Panamanian authorities.

Children now represent 1 in 5 migrants walking through the Darien jungle and are the fastest growing group among people fleeing their homes under the threat of violence or migrating in search of better opportunities.

Additionally, the number of unaccompanied or separated children continues to grow. In the first two months of 2023, UNICEF estimates that an average of five children arrived alone in Panama every day or at least 200 so far this year. Last year UNICEF registered less than 40 unaccompanied or separated children in the same period. Unaccompanied children are particularly vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation.

More:
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/seven-fold-increase-number-children-walking-through-panamanian-jungle-towards-north


The little hat won't last a moment before it's covered with mud and trampled underfoot. Any child would have to have a strong, powerful ally walking side by side and carrying it, to stand a prayer making this crossing.

~ ~ ~























AGUA FRIA, PANAMA: The bodies of fifteen migrants who died trying to cross the Darien Gap are buried at the Guayabillo cemetery. Arnulfo Franco/AP Photo