The number of migrants travelling through the Darién Gap increased dramatically during the year, with nearly a quarter of a million people recorded to have made the crossing. Despite attempts to obtain permission to work at the arrival points on the Panamanian side of the border in 2022, our teams were only permitted to assist people at San Vicente and Lajas Blancas migrant reception centres – where migrants are transferred by the authorities after having crossed the Darién Gap. This delay can be problematic, especially for cases of sexual violence, as it’s crucial for patients to receive medical care as soon as possible to ensure proper emergency treatment.

The vast majority of those who crossed the Darién Gap in 2022 were Venezuelans, who decided to leave other Latin American countries where they had settled and move north towards Mexico and the US, in the hope of finding safety and better opportunities. Many people made the perilous journey with their families, including elderly relatives, young children and pregnant women. 

Depending on the route, crossing the Darién jungle can take up to 10 days, and is extremely dangerous. The terrain is treacherous: there are steep cliffs, and the rivers are subject to flash floods. We have heard many accounts of people who have died by drowning, or in falls. Migrants are also vulnerable to attacks by criminal gangs who ambush them in the jungle.  

Our teams worked with the Ministry of Health to offer medical care and mental health support to the many victims of violence and sexual violence, including children. Many victims of sexual violence have no access to medical care within the critical 72 hours needed to ensure effective treatment. Throughout the year, we continued to publicly advocate the need to open safe migration routes, and called on governments in the region to take measures to protect people on the move.