Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 16th May. UNICEF on Wednesday reported the number of child migrants crossing the perilous Darién Gap has surged by 40 per cent this year,putting the route on track for a fifth consecutive year of record child migration levels.
In 2024, over 30,000 children traversed the dense jungle region separating Colombia and Panama, made a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
Some 2,000 were unaccompanied or separated from their families, UNICEF said
The number of children in transit grew five-times faster than the number of adults, the data showed.
Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director said “The Darién Gap is no place for children. Many children have died on this arduous, dangerous journey. Women have given birth while en route, bringing new life into the world in the most challenging of circumstances. Many of those who survive the journey arrive sick, hungry, and dehydrated, often with wounds or infections and in desperate need of support.”
He stressed that children making up a fifth of the migrants, UNICEF’s presence and response is more important than ever.
“Adequate funding is critical in order to allow us to be there for children, no matter their country of origin or destination.”
The agency stressed that based on current trends, it is estimated that 800,000 people, including 160,000 children and adolescents, could cross the jungle in 2024.
These migrants will require humanitarian assistance due to the extreme conditions faced during the journey.
Mr. Chaiban recounted harrowing stories he heard from children who made the journey.
UNICEF has been providing support to children on the move in the Darién and Panama since 2018, when just 522 children crossed the rainforest.
UN agency delivers crucial services in water, sanitation and hygiene child protection, health, and gender-based violence, at key points along the migration route.
They support host communities that migrants pass through.
In 2024, UNICEF has appealed for $7.64 million to address the urgent needs of the growing number of migrating children and families in Panama.
Only 10 per cent of this funding has been received so far.
Mr. Chaiban hailed the host communities, donors and the Panamanian Government for helping support children and their families, appealed for additional funds.
He stressed “The dangers to children and their unmet needs are increasing as we speak. We need to continue to ensure that no child is left behind. If the response is underfunded, the reach will be limited.”
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