The Endless Vulnerability of Migrant Children In-Transit across the Darién Gap

Abstract

Many people from poverty-stricken countries are migrating across South and Central America to reach the México–United States border, a movement exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Migrant people who begin their northbound journey in South America must transit across a significant geographic bottleneck, the Darién Gap, a mountainous rainforest region between Colombia and Panama. Most migrant people crossing this region originate from Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela. Other people reach the shores of South American countries from west and central Africa or central and southeastern Asia and continue to the Darién Gap. Poverty and violence drive families with children to flee their homes and endure incalculable risks in their path. Children traveling with their families or as unaccompanied minors across the Darién Gap are exposed to life-threatening situations and human rights violations, including abuse, exploitation, malnourishment, and limited access to medical care. In addition to experiencing untreated medical illnesses, children experience mental health disorders during migration and after they reach their destination as a result of victimization and adverse traumatic experiences. Therefore, providing migrants, especially children, with rapid medical screenings and mental health support when they arrive at their destination is critical to reduce health inequities. Furthermore, making these interventions available during their transit and ensuring their safety may prevent further human rights abuses in children and families. Latin American governments must address the ongoing humanitarian crisis endured by migrants throughout their migratory path by offering access to essential healthcare services and safeguarding the rights and security of children and vulnerable groups.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Malaria Transmission in the Autonomous Indigenous Regions of Panama, Central America, 2015–2022

“…For multiple reasons, including poverty, violence, political instability, and climate change impacts, northward migration has been increasing [ 29 ]. In Venezuela, the Latin American country with the highest malaria incidence since 2018 [ 30 ], migration has accelerated after the economic sanctions from the USA and the extremely high inflation observed in that country [ 31 ].…”

A border health crisis at the United States-Mexico border: an urgent call to action

“…It is currently a site of unspeakable violence, causing injuries and deaths, especially among women and children, and the subsequent healthcare needs of the victims are largely unmet. 21 The United Nations recently estimated that 400,000 migrants are expected to cross this path in 2023, an increase from 250,000 in 2022. 22 An estimated 20% are children under five-years old.…”

Impact of the Relational, Built, Community, and Policy/Political Environments on Immigrant Child Health: A Narrative Review

“…Ties to community and one's culture serve as protective factors after migration, and most children are resilient despite a difficult past journey [4•]. Many children and families face traumatic experiences in their home country prior to migration; armed conflict, stress and trauma of displacement are associated with poor health and mental health outcomes [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Family support during migration is associated with higher levels of resilience.…”