Panama

The number of migrants traveling through the Darién Gap increased dramatically during 2022, with nearly a quarter of a million people recorded to have made the crossing. Despite attempts to obtain permission to work at arrival points on the Panamanian side of the border, our teams were only permitted to assist people at San Vicente and Lajas Blancas migrant reception centers—where migrants are transferred by the authorities after crossing 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.

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 for opening safe migration routes and called on governments in the region to take measures to protect people on the move.