Desperate Times at Panama/Costa Rica Border: A Human Crisis Unfolding

A Tale of Struggle and Desperation

Amidst the scorching sun and relentless rain, Paso Canoas narrates a somber story where migrants find themselves ensnared in a cycle of despair and hopelessness.

Stranded, With Nowhere to Go

Inescapable Desperation:

With their dreams shattered and pockets empty, numerous migrants are helplessly stranded, their eyes gazing north, yet restricted due to lack of funds, with some forced into makeshift shelters that offer scant protection from the elements.

A Daily Struggle:

Daily, approximately 2,000 hopeful migrants reach Paso Canoas, with many boarding buses heading north. However, for around 600 individuals, this journey pauses indefinitely due to financial constraints, leaving them to seek refuge wherever they can.

Living Conditions: From Bad to Worse

Beyond Capacity:

Overcrowded fairgrounds, initially serving as temporary shelters, are bursting at the seams. Thus, sidewalks now bear the weight of the crisis, hosting families with no alternative.

A Struggle for Basic Needs:

Living conditions are dire. While volunteers tirelessly distribute essential items, basic necessities like appropriate shelter, nutritious food, and healthcare are in short supply.

The Silent Victims: Children and the Elderly

Fragile Lives at Risk:

Among the travelers, 25%-30% are minors, arriving with their families. Many bear the scars of their journey, manifested as malnutrition, intestinal issues, and respiratory diseases. Tragically, some don’t survive.

Emergency Healthcare Support:

Ciudad Neily Hospital acts as the emergency beacon, receiving approximately 300 cases monthly, primarily involving children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women.

A Hopeful Horizon? New Measures Introduced

Buses to Freedom:

Recent dialogues between Panamanian and Costa Rican leaders have yielded a temporary relief plan, with 200 buses designated to transport migrants from Paso Canoas to the Nicaraguan border.

Swift Evaluation and Movement:

With swift evaluation processes planned, migrants are hoped to continue their journey northward with fewer hindrances.

International Aid: A Plea for Assistance

Funding Dilemma:

Panama and Costa Rica face a significant financial challenge, unable to shoulder the annual $3-4 million required for the migrant transportation initiative, thereby seeking international assistance.

A Call for Compassion and Support:

With lives hanging in the balance, international contributions are not just monetary aid; they are lifelines thrown towards those drowning in despair.

Humanity at a Crossroad

Every migrant stuck at Paso Canoas carries a face, a story, and a dream. These are not just statistics in a report but lives caught in a tumultuous wave of uncertainty, desperately seeking a shore of hope and stability. It’s imperative that as we discuss this crisis, we remember the humanity at its core and respond not just with policies but with compassion and empathy.