Panama Faces Crisis as U.S.-Bound Migrants Leave Corpses Behind

At the United Nations General Assembly, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino addressed the pressing issue of U.S.-bound migrants traversing the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle route shared with Colombia. He highlighted that over 500,000 migrants passed through Panama in 2023, driven by dire economic, political, and social conditions in their home countries. Mulino emphasized the role of criminal organizations profiting from this migration crisis, which has resulted in significant social and environmental costs for Panama. Mulino, who previously served as security minister, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian impact of this migration, including the tragic sight of orphaned children and the decomposing corpses left behind. He called for a collective international response to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration, asserting that Panama lacks the resources to manage this crisis independently. The president pointed to Venezuela's political instability as a key factor contributing to mass migration, noting that nearly eight million Venezuelans have fled their country. He criticized the inadequate response from international organizations to this ongoing crisis, particularly in light of the recent fraudulent presidential election in Venezuela. In conclusion, Mulino urged the international community to recognize the urgency of the situation, stressing that the flow of migrants through Panama is not just a national issue but a global problem that requires immediate and coordinated action to mitigate its humanitarian, financial, and environmental repercussions.