Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes traveled today to the border area that receives irregular migrants who arrived in Panamanian territory through the intricate Darien jungle to hear their testimonies and learn first-hand about their expectations and how they are cared for in the reception facilities. where they are provided with accommodation, food and medical care.
"This situation requires a comprehensive solution and international actions and to offer fair alternatives I have wanted to listen to the protagonists, both those who arrive in Panama risking their lives, as well as those who receive them and identify their deficiencies and needs," stressed the Foreign Minister in the Migration Reception Station (ERM) of San Vicente, one of the two facilities for irregular migrants in Darién.
These facilities respond to the need to serve the growing number of irregular migrants who arrive on foot from Colombia, with sustained transits since the last ten years and specific increases of up to 30,000 people, registered between 2015 and 2016 and a more recent peak of 22,265 migrants. , in 2019.
The Chancellor explained her intention to achieve a controlled flow of irregular migrants across this difficult border to ensure that they receive dignified treatment and can continue their journey without setbacks.
"Although they do not intend to stay in our country, our commitment is to serve them safely to the best of our ability and that they can continue on their way, for which we need the collaboration of all parties involved," said Minister Mouynes .
His trip, in the company of the nation's attorney general, Javier Caraballo, the director of the National Border Service (SENAFRONT), commissioner Oriel Ortega, and commissioner Abdiel Lezcano, of the National Migration Service, is the prelude to an upcoming meeting with Colombian authorities to follow up on the high-level meeting with the Foreign Minister of that country, Claudia Blum, held on April 9 to agree on the conditions for a controlled and safe passage to Panama for these groups of emigrants.
4/28/2021 1:58:39 PM