The Panamanian government affirms that the management of the crisis, which includes welcoming migrants in stations on its southern (Colombia) and northern (Costa Rica) borders, has cost some 50 million dollars since 2020, and has requested “support” from USA
Courtesy | Panama is the gateway to Central America from the south for irregular migrants from all over the world traveling to the United States
The United States allocated close to 22 million dollars between 2021 and 2022 for humanitarian assistance for refugees and vulnerable migrants in Panama, said the US embassy in the country.
Panama is the gateway to Central America from the south for irregular migrants from all over the world traveling to the United States.
The long Venezuelan crisis prompted this flow in 2022, when they arrived in Panama, many after crossing several South American countries, plus 227,000 travelers in transit, an unprecedented number.
The Panamanian government affirms that the management of the crisis, which includes welcoming migrants in stations on its southern (Colombia) and northern (Costa Rica) borders – where it takes their biometric data and offers them health and food assistance – has cost some 50 million dollars since 2020, and has asked the US for “support”.
“The United States government allocated close to 18 million dollars, in 2022, for humanitarian assistance for refugees and vulnerable migrants in Panama. The figure was four times greater than the amount that Panama received in 2021 (4 million),” the US embassy said on Monday.
He explained that these “are delivered to international organizations that have humanitarian assistance programs in Panama, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Pan-American Foundation for Development” .
Funds from the US government “allow international organizations to offer physical and mental health services to migrants, in addition to personal hygiene products, clothing, and footwear.”
Likewise, added the diplomatic legation in a press release, “they have helped to make improvements in the facilities of the migratory shelters and the host communities, in addition to training Panamanian officials and community leaders in the prevention of crimes and humanitarian attention.”
The new embassy of the United States in Panama, Mari Carmen Aponte, visited the areas of the border province of Darién where irregular migrants arrive after crossing the dangerous jungle of the same name.
“The stories of the migrants are heartbreaking. This is a dangerous journey that no one should undertake,” Aponte said, according to the statement from the diplomatic legation.
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