Those dealing with need and fear have become a nightmare. Not only are kidnappings and extortions a very serious reality in Ecuador, there is also human trafficking associated with irregular migration.

Darién Jungle: Drug traffickers are using migrants to transport cocaine to the United States, according to Colombian police

This December 17, Pope Francis recalled the situation of migrants crossing the Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama and called for a humanitarian response, a joint effort of the countries whose citizens dare to take over and the international community. One cannot be silent in the face of death and crimes that hide on this route.

Ecuadorians are the second most frequent user of the Darién Gap on the irregular route to the United States. The first are Venezuelans, but there are also Haitians and citizens of other nationalities. More than 500,000 migrants have been reported to Panamanian authorities so far this year.

Almost 55,000 Ecuadorians crossed the Darién Gap in 2023.

A report from the EFE agency states that the journey begins in Urabá Bay, in Colombia’s northwest, which has historically been under the control of armed groups, an indication of the risk in the area.

In the Darién jungle, in addition to natural hazards, migrants are exposed to the violence of human trafficking networks that practice extortion and kidnapping. Part of the Ecuadorians who leave the country are fleeing extortion and kidnapping.

Bahamian authorities have captured 18 illegal migrants from Ecuador, which could indicate a new illegal migration route, according to Interpol

Guidelines regarding regular forms of migration are important, but as the pope says, rulers must unite to prevent new deaths. Since the beginning of December, the International Organization for Migration’s missing migrants project has recorded 42 deaths or disappearances in Darién. In 2022, there were 141. Annually, this phenomenon of migration represents approximately 57 million dollars for human traffickers.

Taking an irregular course exposes the family to an uncertain path. Criminal groups must be stopped, opportunities for a better future offered and lives protected. (OR)