During the International Conference on Women's Health in Costa Rica in 1987, the Latin American and Caribbean Women's Health Network (RSMLAC) proposed establishing May 28th as the International Day of Action for Women's Health. Since that year, May 28th has been commemorated by activists advocating for women's health and rights. This article seeks to raise awareness about the challenges in Sexual and Reproductive Health faced by women crossing the border from Panama to Colombia.
The Darien Gap, one of the most dangerous migratory routes in the world, currently sees an alarming increase in the number of people crossing it each year. Female migrants, girls, and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, in particular, face additional challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, as well as a high risk of becoming victims of sexual and gender-based violence. It's important to mention that intersections of race, class, and sexual preference, among other oppressions, place Afro-descendant individuals, particularly women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, at greater risk.
This article examines recent figures on migratory transit through the Darien Gap and sheds light on the challenges faced by women in this perilous border crossing. Additionally, it presents observations from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), highlighting the urgent need to take measures to protect migrant women and ensure their access to justice and health services.
Recent Figures on Transit through the Darien Gap
Before delving into the health challenges, it's important to understand the recent migratory context. The Darien Gap, one of the world's most dangerous migratory routes, has seen a significant increase in the transit of people in recent years.
Year 2022: 248,284 people crossed the Darien Gap, of which 69,114 were women and 40,438 were minors (16% of the total were minors).
Year 2023: A historic record was set with 520,085 people crossing the jungle. Of this figure, 26% were women and 22% were minors, with 12% being boys and 10% girls.
January to May 2024: The Controlled Flow of Migrants Operation has recorded the transit of 159,810 people up to May 23. Of these, 102,737 are Venezuelan nationals, 11,666 are Ecuadorian, and 9,638 are Haitian. Also, 10,117 people of Colombian nationality crossed, along with 9,589 from China, 1,483 from India, 371 from Cuba, and 14,159 from other nationalities. In May, 20,543 people have arrived, of which 16,447 are adults and 4,096 are minors. The figures suggest that 2024 could surpass the numbers from 2023.
Challenges in Sexual and Reproductive Health
Women in conditions of human mobility face multiple challenges in terms of sexual and reproductive health. This reality is aggravated by the lack of access to adequate medical services on the migratory route, unwanted pregnancies, the risks of suffering any type of violence, mainly sexual violence, and to all this must be added the extreme conditions of the migratory transit that in This period is currently aggravated by the beginning of the rainy season, typical of the region.
Some of these challenges are:
Access to Health Services: Migrant women often lack access to basic health services, including prenatal and postnatal care, contraceptives, and gynecological care. The precariousness of these services on a route like the Darién Gap increases the risks of health complications. Faced with this reality, the Pan American Health Organization states that “the crisis in Darién is a humanitarian challenge that requires an urgent and coordinated response. The bi-border territorial table for health is a step in the right direction, but greater commitment is needed from all sectors to guarantee the health and well-being of migrants who cross this dangerous jungle. No one should remain indifferent to their suffering. It is time to act and join forces to save lives.”
Gender-Based Violence: Sexual and gender-based violence is a critical concern. According to reports from Doctors Without Borders, in the last year, 676 women were treated for sexual violence, of which 9% were minors. In this context, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), issued concluding observations towards Panama in 2022, addressing both the positive advances in the implementation of the Convention, as well as the main concerns and recommendations. The Committee expressed serious concern about gender-based violence experienced by migrant women crossing the border at the Darien Gap, including disappearances and sexual violence. She called on Panama to take action on the risks of gender violence that women face in this area and to guarantee their access to justice in border areas. “The Committee recognizes the measures taken by the State to grant temporary residence to migrant women victims of gender violence for a period of six years. However, it also expresses concern about the prevalence of gender violence against migrant women, especially those of African descent and of Haitian origin, who are in transit through the territory of the State in the Darién Gap. This violence manifests itself in disappearances, rapes, intimidation and threats by non-state armed groups. The difficulty that survivors face in accessing justice, resources, psychosocial care, health services and reparation is highlighted.” The seriousness of the situation requires a comprehensive response that addresses both prevention and care for victims. It is essential that effective measures are implemented to protect migrant women and ensure their access to support services and justice. Although Panama has regulations to address, prevent and eradicate violence against women, the crisis experienced on the border with Colombia directly impacts migrant women. This crisis today is a great challenge for both countries that They share the border. Panama needs to develop actions that allow the concerns of the CEDAW Committee to be addressed.
Hygiene and Sanitation Conditions: During transit through the Darien Gap there is a lack of adequate health facilities, overcrowding within arrival communities, shortage of menstrual hygiene products, lack of sanitation system and clean water for consumption. human, aggravate the health conditions mainly of migrant women, children and the LGTBQA+ population. These conditions can lead to infections and other medical complications. It is necessary that these types of services are available to those who travel the border in conditions as precarious as those currently experienced.
Impact on mental health: The trauma associated with the immigration process, the pain and loss of leaving behind home, family, work, and the violence suffered along the way, has profound psychological repercussions, requiring specialized care. Guaranteeing access to mental health for migrants, mainly women who have suffered sexual violence during the journey, is essential to contribute to their emotional stability and thus be able to continue their journey in search of better living conditions.
It is urgent and crucial that states, civil society organizations and international organizations, stationed at migrant reception stations and in communities of arrival, provide comprehensive care and services so that people's human rights are protected and guaranteed. migrants, these services must be provided without racism and without discrimination, migrating is a right, no migrant is illegal.
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