Situation Report: Children on the move

January - April 2024

Representante de UNICEF Panama junto a ninos migrantes en Darien
UNICEF

Highlights

From January to March 2024, over 110,000 migrants crossed the border between Colombia and Panama through the Darien gap, including 24,268 children (22% of the total). This represents a 40% increase in comparison to the same period last year. Venezuelan nationals account for 64% of the total, followed by Ecuador (8%), Haiti (7%), and Colombia (6%). Importantly, 12% of migrants using this route are extracontinental, coming from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East (e.g., Sudan, Afghanistan, Angola, Somalia, Ghana, and Nepal, among other nationalities).


The number of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) on the move through Darien is increasing: 1,216 were identified in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 543 in the same period last year, representing a sharp increase of 124%. According to UNICEF records, UASC come from 18 different countries, although most of them are Venezuelans and Ecuadorians. 11% are 0-5 years old, 25% are 6-12 and 62% are 13- 17 years old. Amongst adolescents (13-17 years old), 43% are girls and 57% are boys, several of whom travel with partners or friends. The main reasons for migrating include being at risk in their home country, seeking reunification with other family members, and looking for better opportunities in the country of destiny. Children travelling alone are at higher risk of abuse and exploitation.

Panama SitRep (Children-on-the-Move) 1st quarter 2024
Author(s)
UNICEF Panama
Publication date
Languages
Spanish