Colombia, the U.S., and Panama join forces to tackle the migration crisis in Darién.

The governments of Colombia, the United States, and Panama have taken a significant step toward creating a coordinated approach to address the growing migration crisis in the region. In a meeting held in Cartagena, Colombia, representatives from these countries agreed to encourage dialogue with other nations that are part of the migration route for thousands of people who, in their attempt to reach the United States, are forced to cross the dangerous Darién jungle. This dialogue aims to promote safer and more humane alternatives that help reduce irregular migration. The current situation is alarming. According to recent data, more than half a million migrants crossed the Darién last year, and so far in 2023, over 231,075 migrants have made the same crossing. Most of these migrants come from Venezuela, a country facing a deep political and economic crisis, which has led millions of its citizens to seek better opportunities abroad. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha has pointed out that it is crucial to address the root causes driving this massive exodus. During the meeting, it was evident that the three countries recognize that the responsibility for irregular migration is shared and must be addressed from a multidimensional and human rights perspective. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas expressed his intention to expand collaboration with Colombia and Panama, as well as with other partners in the region, to develop effective strategies to tackle this migration challenge. Colombia has implemented a regularization program for Venezuelan migrants, allowing more than 2.5 million people to obtain identity documents and access to basic services. This effort has been fundamental in providing a minimum level of stability to migrants arriving in the country. Panama, for its part, has intensified its repatriation programs, especially for those migrants in irregular situations. The issues in the Darién are complex; it is not only about the number of migrants but also about the human trafficking networks that exploit their vulnerability. The three countries have agreed to work together to dismantle these networks, with Colombia identifying the involvement of the Gulf Clan cartel in these illicit activities. The fight against human trafficking is essential to ensure the safety of those attempting to cross this dangerous route. Moreover, collaboration between Panama and the United States has yielded immediate results. Last week saw the first deportation flight of migrants who did not meet the legal conditions to remain in Panama, marking the beginning of a broader process to address the situation of migrants from various nationalities, including Colombians, Ecuadorians, and even citizens from India and Africa. The joint declaration following the meeting in Cartagena underscored the importance of addressing this crisis in a coordinated manner, which includes holding a technical meeting within a maximum of 90 days. This meeting is expected to develop and present a timeline and an execution plan that reflects the commitments made. The path toward a solution to this migration crisis is long and complicated, but the joint efforts between Colombia, the United States, and Panama are a step in the right direction. The situation in the Darién not only has regional implications but is also a problem that affects the international community, making a collaborative approach involving all relevant actors necessary. Undoubtedly, the migration crisis in the region is a topic that will continue to generate debate and attention in the coming months. As agreements are implemented and further dialogues take place, it will be crucial to observe how these efforts evolve and whether they truly address the needs of migrants while combating human trafficking and confronting the root causes of the migration phenomenon. The protection and respect for the human rights of migrants must always be a central component of any strategy developed in this context.