How did Colombia react to the closure of the Darien border crossings with barbed wire?

Colombian Ombudsman Julio Luis Balanta Mina expressed his concern on Friday about the humanitarian implications of the closure of several border crossings in the Darien jungle by the Panamanian government.

This territory, which separates Colombia from Panama, is crucial for migration and represents a health risk for migrants who cross it, reports the Efe news agency.

“It is urgent that the national government requests the Panamanian authorities to respect the principles of international human rights law,” Balanta said.

He also stressed the need to ensure international protection for migrants. He also emphasised the importance of meeting basic needs and ensuring that migrants eligible for asylum and international protection are not returned.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino recently announced measures such as the installation of “cone fences” and increased police presence in the Darién jungle.

The president’s intention is to channel the migratory flow through specific and controlled routes, closing three of the crossings used by migrants.

The Darien has been the scene of a significant increase in migration flows, with more than 195,000 people crossing this year, most of them Venezuelans, as well as Ecuadorians and Chinese.

In 2023, the number reached more than 520,000 migrants, according to official data, facing extreme conditions such as hunger, lack of drinking water, severe weather conditions and risks associated with criminal gangs and armed groups.

The Ombudsman warned of the severe humanitarian impact that could result from the closure of these border crossings. He also highlighted the right to health at risk and recalled a previous study by the Ombudsman’s Office that simulated such scenarios and documented significant health complaints.

The Darien jungle, a vast region of more than 500,000 hectares shared by Colombia and Panama, is one of the few areas of the American continent that does not have a direct road connection, such as the Pan-American Highway.

Julio Luis Balanta Mina insisted that immigration authorities must address this situation from a humanitarian perspective, guaranteeing a safe, orderly migration process that respects human dignity, without discrimination based on nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, race, religion or any other condition.

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