Human Rights Watch Highlights Deficiencies in Migration Policies Across the Americas and Their Impact on the Darién Gap
On Wednesday, September 11, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released its third report of the year on migration through the Darién Gap, a dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama that has become a perilous route for migrants. The report, presented in Bogotá, revealed significant shortcomings in migration policies across both Latin America and the United States.
The Report: An Overview
The report, titled “The Darién Gap: Where Latin America’s Deficient Migration Policies Converge,” details how current migration policies in the region fail to provide adequate protection for migrants and asylum seekers. As a result, many people are taking extreme risks in their attempt to seek a better future, crossing one of the most dangerous jungles in the continent.
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Key Data from the Report
- Over the past 18 months, more than 700,000 migrants and asylum seekers have passed through the Darién Gap.
- Of these, nearly 477,000 are Venezuelans, 60,000 Ecuadorians, and 41,000 Haitians.
Deficiencies in Migration Policies
The report highlights that, despite efforts by some Latin American governments to welcome migrants, the current policies are insufficient. Obstacles include restrictive deadlines, complex bureaucratic procedures, burdensome documentary requirements, and delays in regularization processes. Asylum systems in the region also have limited capacity, contributing to significant delays, increased discrimination, and violence.
Impact on the United States
HRW also criticizes U.S. migration policies, which, according to the report, have worsened the migration crisis. Specifically, it mentions the recent agreement between the U.S. and Panama for the repatriation of migrants crossing the Darién. HRW argues that this agreement does not adequately address the crisis and, instead of offering a solution, perpetuates the situation by prioritizing political agendas over humanitarian needs.
HRW’s Recommendations
HRW’s report makes several recommendations to improve the situation:
- Implement a regional temporary stay regime that can benefit migrants and refugees.
- Review and reverse measures such as strict visa requirements that hinder access to asylum.
- Establish a fair regional mechanism to determine which states are responsible for examining asylum claims and protecting refugees.
Conclusion
Human Rights Watch’s report underscores the urgent need to reform migration policies across the Americas to ensure greater protection and safety for migrants. The situation in the Darién Gap serves as a clear indicator of the deficiencies in the current system and the need for a more effective and humanitarian response.
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