Militarization of the border increases the suffering of migrants

In view of the humanitarian crisis that reigns on the border between Colombia and Panama, where more than 2,000 migrants arrive daily, crossing the dangerous jungle of Darienorganisms like Doctors Without Borders (MSF) believes that a response such as militarization only increases the suffering of migrants.

“We do not have the capacity to propose migration routes or policies, but what we can say is that, as we have seen in so many contexts, border security, border militarization, does not reduce the transit of migrants, but increases their suffering,” he assured in an interview with EFE Luis Eguiluz, head of MSF’s Colombia and Panama office.

A response to a humanitarian crisis such as the one that occurred in Darien, where this year has already seen the highest numbers in history, with more than 300,000 migrants so far this year and almost 80,000 in August alone, meaning increasing the military presence or erecting more barriers to transit only works against migrants.

“This makes them more vulnerable to mafias who get rich from this human trafficking and makes it difficult for them to access basic services. Therefore, border security will not reduce migrant smuggling”said an MSF representative who believes the solution follows “safe routes” that “reduce the suffering and exposure to danger of these people who are forced to migrate.”

Faced with an increase in traffic through this impenetrable jungle, the Colombian government remains silent, while the Panamanian government “made the decision to transform this humanitarian problem into a national security problem,” according to Minister of Public Security Juan Manuel Pino.

“Any attempt to reduce traffic – and we see this clearly in the Mediterranean – exposes people to unnecessary risks to a certain extent when routes can be allowed that provide access to services and that do not expose them to danger,” explains Eguiluz. , which highlights the Mediterranean and the institutional response: “so many deaths cross to avoid border controls.”

And he also claims: “emigration is not a crime, it is part of human rights.” Trying to stop migration is impossible – MSF, which takes care of migrants all over the world, knows this very well-; Those who have decided to start a life in another country will do so, even if it takes more dangerous paths and exposes itself to greater dangers.

Tightrope
MSF warned a week ago that the Panamanian government and humanitarian organizations that serve the three migrant reception stations on the Panamanian side, on the other side of the jungle, “cannot cope” with the number of people arriving and the needs they have.

In August, 79,455 people crossed that jungle, an unprecedented number in one month, of which 18,184 were minors, according to statistics froml The National Immigration Service and the Ministry of Public Security of Panama. Most are Venezuelans, but there are more and more Ecuadorians and many Haitians, Colombians and Cubans continue to cross.

A journey that begins with a cross Colombia and Urabá Bay, entering the jungle on foot was shorter compared to other years, “but there are migrants who spend many days and exposure to dangers does not reduce the suffering of these people,” says Eguiluz.

“We are talking about a very difficult situation, either because of geographical risks – such as rivers, mountains, etc. – or because of exposure to violence,” says the Spanish humanitarian organization. There is still no information on how many people remain in the jungle, and women and girls are sometimes subjected to almost systematic rape.

MSF has processed 206 cases of sexual violence so far this year, but they are aware that “all cases that exist are likely to be underreported due to the difficulty in accessing survivors inside the jungle as well as the need for these people to leave the country as soon as possible to continue their migration route”.

This humanitarian organization – together with UN agencies and other non-governmental organizations – helps immigration stations, which, with a capacity of 250 people, have to receive more than 2,000 every day.

“We cannot cope with the (Panama) Ministry of Health, Doctors Without Borders and other organizations, there is not enough for all the needs that arise, so we are also looking for an institutional framework and international organizations and mechanisms for financial assistance to support this humanitarian crisis,” concludes Eguiluz.