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The Darien Gap, a treacherous 100-km stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama, stands as one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. It has become a crucial path for migrants, including many Indians, seeking to enter the United States illegally. This dense, roadless terrain is fraught with peril, from extreme weather conditions to threats posed by criminal groups, making the journey incredibly dangerous. Stretching over 97 kilometres, this dense and roadless jungle has become an increasingly important transit point for migrants seeking refuge or employment in the US. 

The crossing is notorious for its harsh conditions, including dense rainforests, steep mountains, and vast swamps. The Darien Gap is also the only overland path connecting Central and South America, making it the primary route for many migrants who face increasingly difficult conditions on air and sea routes due to heightened border controls.

A Dangerous Start: Necocli, Colombia

Many Indians trying to enter the US illegally use the 'donkey route,' travelling through Central American countries like Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala, where obtaining visas is easier. From there, they journey to Mexico and attempt to cross into the US, often with the help of coyotes (human smugglers) who charge high fees for the risky journey. The journey to the Darien Gap begins in Necocli, a coastal town in Colombia, located on the Gulf of Urabá. For most migrants already in the region, the first leg of the trip involves travelling by foot or taking local transportation to reach Necocli. However, for those arriving from Africa and the Caribbean, the path to Necocli and onward to the jungle becomes far more complicated, often requiring additional routes or transportation arrangements.

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Entering Jungle: Perils Of Darien Gap

Once in Acandí, a small Colombian town near the jungle's entrance, migrants face the daunting task of crossing the Darién Gap. The jungle crossing is treacherous and can take up to ten days or more, depending on weather conditions, physical endurance, and the route taken. Many migrants opt to hire local guides, also known as “coyotes,” to navigate the dangerous terrain. These guides are often essential for migrants, as they provide both direction and protection through the treacherous conditions.

Along the way, migrants must contend with an array of dangers posed by smugglers, criminal groups, and violent armed factions. Groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Gulf Clan, a notorious paramilitary and drug cartel, operate in the region. These groups regularly extort, rob, and sexually assault migrants, adding to the life-threatening nature of the journey.

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The Dangers Of Jungle: Robbery, Rape, Human Trafficking

The jungle itself is an unforgiving environment. Beyond the criminal threats, migrants face the ever-present danger of wild animals, disease-carrying insects, and the absolute lack of safe drinking water. With no established routes and minimal infrastructure, migrants are left vulnerable to both human and environmental threats. As they trek through the jungle, the combination of physical exhaustion, inadequate supplies, and the omnipresent risk of robbery or sexual assault creates a deeply harrowing experience for many.

Reaching Panama: A Fragile Refuge

After enduring the dangers of the Darien Gap, migrants typically emerge in Panama at one of the few exit points, such as Bajo Chiquito or the Indigenous village of Canaan Membrillo. These locations provide a brief respite from the harsh jungle crossing, with humanitarian organisations such as Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF offering critical support. These organisations set up reception centres where migrants can receive medical care, access sanitation, and find basic necessities like water and hygiene products.

However, the humanitarian efforts in Panama are under strain. In March 2024, the Panamanian government suspended Doctors Without Borders' operations in the country, leaving many migrants without critical assistance.

A Rising Crisis: Migration Numbers Surge

The migration crisis through the Darien Gap has escalated in recent years. In the first months of 2022, a total of 8,964 migrants passed through the area. By 2023, that number surged to 49,291, and in the first months of 2024, it reached a staggering 73,167. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that in 2023, at least 1,275 people went missing while crossing the American continent. In comparison, the IOM also noted 3,155 disappearances in the Mediterranean during the same year.

A Deadly Journey with No End in Sight

The Darien Gap is one of the deadliest migration routes in the world, and its danger is compounded by both natural and human-made threats. While some migrants make it to Panama, many others fall victim to the harsh conditions or disappear along the way. As the number of people risking the journey continues to rise, the Darien Gap remains a tragic symbol of the lengths to which people will go in search of safety and opportunity, despite the immense dangers they face.