UNICEF saves children fleeing crisis in Panama

In Panama, a significant migration crisis has emerged as families, driven by armed violence, extreme poverty, and the adverse impacts of climate change, attempt to seek safety and a better future. The Darién Gap has become a treacherous passage for many, with around 200,000 individuals crossing this perilous route in the first seven months of 2024. Among these migrants, one-fourth are children, reflecting a desperate and growing trend of child migration in Latin America and the Caribbean. In November 2024, nearly 4,500 unaccompanied and separated children had undertaken the perilous journey, far surpassing the figures from all of 2023, indicating an alarming increase in vulnerable children on the move. UNICEF plays a pivotal role in responding to this crisis by collaborating with governments, NGOs, and other UN actors to ensure that migrating children and their families gain access to essential services. In centers such as the Lajas Blancas Migration Reception Center, a variety of critical services, including sanitation facilities, medical check-ups, and mental health support, are provided to help families recover from trauma and regain a sense of safety. Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlights the dire situation faced by these children and the urgent need to address the ongoing crisis affecting the region as a whole. The conditions that force families to embark on such dangerous journeys are multifaceted, involving not only immediate threats such as violence and poverty but also the long-term effects of climate change. With more than 46,000 children having traversed the dense and hazardous jungles of the Darién Gap in 2024 alone, UNICEF emphasizes the necessity of supporting their rights and well-being throughout this harrowing process. In response to these dire needs, UNICEF is actively calling for support from the international community to help fulfill the urgent requirements of displaced children and refugees. The organization is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive, offering assistance in the form of lifesaving aid and efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of migration. The situation in Panama represents a microcosm of broader trends and challenges in the region, necessitating a regional approach to effectively address the factors driving migration and to support the rights of all children involved.