Monitoring movements through the Darien jungle in Panama

In the Americas, people frequently move along well-worn routes from South America and the Caribbean, through Central America, towards North America. Along these routes, the number of people varies, their nationalities vary, the reasons they move change, and UNHCR stays on top of it, to ensure those entitled to international protection receive the help they need.

Main routes going from south America towards north America via the Darien Jungle

United States

Venezuela

Panama

Colombia

Ecuador

Brazil

Argentina

United States

Aruba

Trinidad and

Tobago

Curacao

Mexico

Venezuela

Guyana

Panama

Suriname

French Guyana

Colombia

Ecuador

Brazil

Peru

Bolivia

Uruguay

Argentina

United States

Aruba

Curacao

Trinidad and

Tobago

Venezuela

Mexico

Panama

Guyana

Suriname

French Guyana

Colombia

Ecuador

Brazil

Peru

Bolivia

Uruguay

Argentina

One of the critical points along this route is the Darien Province in Panama, an isthmus on the border with Colombia connecting South and Central America. Tens of thousands of people pass through Darien in a typical month.

Over the last decade, the number of people who cross Darien has varied seasonally. Factors that influence movements include:

• Weather conditions
• Security concerns
• The traditions and movements of indigenous peoples in Darien
• The availability of transportation options

Push factors

Deteriorating conditions in people’s home countries and countries of residence, as well as the corresponding lack of legal alternative pathways for movement, are the main causes "pushing" people to make the dangerous crossing through Darien towards points further north. In recent years this route has been more frequently used by vulnerable people fleeing violence, lack of economic opportunities and lack of access to essential services. In 2022, the deterioration of the socio-economic and security situation in countries like Venezuela and Ecuador, pushed almost 250,000 people to cross the Darien Jungle on their route to North America. According to UNHCR protection monitoring, 3 in 10 persons reported direct threats, intimidation or being victims of violence as reasons for leaving their country of origin or residence.

Pull factors

Factors "pulling" people to cross through the Darien includes the dream of a better life, the hope to find this in the countries to the north, and the knowledge that members of their family and social networks have already made it. Political developments in third countries can also impact the magnitude of the flow of refugees and migrants crossing the Darien in the short-term. For instance, changes in the US entry requirements for Venezuelans in October 2022, led to a significant but momentary decrease in the number of Venezuelans crossing the Darien in the following months. Similarly, visa policy change in Nicaragua for Cubans in November 2021 and changes in the US entry procedures for Cubans in January 2023 has led to a substantial decrease in the number of people from Cuba crossing the Darien.

Changes in living conditions of people’s country of origin, as well as policy changes in asylum countries led to a constant flux in who is crossing through Darien. As a result, the profiles and needs of those on the move, can change as well. UNHCR’s protection monitoring carefully documents these changes and allows the organization and its partners to respond accordingly.

The Darien jungle is one of the most dangerous and challenging regions in the world. Refugees and migrants crossing it, are exposed to several risks that include:

1. Criminal activity, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and organized crime. People crossing the region may be at risk of violence, including sexual violence, as well as exploitation by these groups.
2. The Darien Jungle is home to many tropical diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. These diseases can be life-threatening and difficult to treat in the remote and challenging conditions of the jungle.
3. High humidity and rainfall, which can make the jungle difficult to traverse. Heavy rains can trigger flash floods and landslides, while high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
4. Dangerous terrain, characterized by dense vegetation, steep hills, and treacherous river crossings, all of which can make travel difficult and dangerous.
5. The lack of infrastructure in the Darien jungle makes it extremely difficult to access emergency medical care or other forms of assistance in case of an emergency.

Some people can be even more at risk. These include women and girls, families or groups traveling with pregnant women, someone with a critical or chronic medical condition, unaccompanied children, single parents, and the elderly. UNHCR’s Protection Monitoring captures data on protection incidents to understand and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable people on the move.

After crossing the jungle, the refugees and migrants pass through the government-led transit centers where the government of Panama, UNHCR and other UN agencies and NGO partners, provide essential humanitarian assistance.