Costa Rica and Panama Collaborate to Support Southbound Migrant Transit
Costa Rica and Panama have initiated joint efforts to facilitate the transit of southbound migrants returning from Mexico, following the implementation of stricter U.S. immigration policies. Authorities are coordinating transport to ensure safer passage for migrants heading to Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Additionally, a group of deported migrants from Asian nations is being accommodated while addressing their legal rights and conditions.
Costa Rica and Panama have joined forces to facilitate the transit of southbound migrants through their countries, following a recent pattern where many are returning from southern Mexico after abandoning attempts to reach the United States. This coordination arises from the new reality imposed by the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Authorities from both nations met at the Peñas Blancas border post to arrange transportation for migrants traveling back to Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, thereby seeking to protect them from human trafficking.
Officials revealed that southbound migrants arriving from Nicaragua would be directed to Costa Rican government facilities from where they would be transported to Panama’s Darien province, located at the Colombian border. Security Minister Mario Zamora of Costa Rica emphasized that this initiative specifically addresses the needs of Colombian, Venezuelan, and Ecuadorian nationals aiming to return home in a safer manner. In conjunction, Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Ábrego, highlighted the goal of creating a regulated transit system across both countries.
Recently, migrants were observed boarding buses after passing through immigration and crossing the border into Costa Rica. Others opted for a maritime route, taking boats from a Panamanian port towards the Panama-Colombia border to avoid the dangerous Darien Gap. Some migrants expressed concerns, suggesting that air travel would be preferable due to potential hazards associated with boat journeys. Nevertheless, they acknowledge the risks involved in their travels.
The reversal of migration patterns has coincided with both countries accommodating several hundred individuals, primarily from Asian nations, who were deported by the United States. While some opted for voluntary repatriation, others are detained as humanitarian agencies collaborate with government officials to determine their next steps. A segment of these deported migrants is currently housed in a camp in Panama, previously designated for northbound migrants, where they have raised grievances regarding harsh living conditions and a lack of legal guidance.
In recent developments, a group of attorneys has petitioned the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for protective measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of the detained migrants. This action underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian implications of the current migration policies and practices affecting thousands of vulnerable individuals.
The coordination between Costa Rica and Panama reflects a proactive approach to the shifting dynamics of migration in the region. By focusing on the safe transit of migrants returning southwards, both countries aim to mitigate risks associated with human trafficking while simultaneously adapting to changing migration flows. The recent measures also illustrate ongoing challenges in managing the rights and welfare of deported migrants.
Original Source: apnews.com
