Panama, 6 August 2022 (TDI): The Secretary-General and CEO of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain, visits Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico. He paid these visits amid the Central America and Mexico migration crisis.
In Panama, I met with survivors of the life-threatening passage through the Darien Gap. After up to 12 days in the jungle, the Red Cross provides them with medical assistance, mental health and water so they can travel to the next stop of their migratory journey: Costa Rica. pic.twitter.com/UBTbzRrQKt
— Jagan Chapagain (@jagan_chapagain) August 5, 2022
There is a surge in the number of refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons as well as returnees in transit by land towards North through Central America, compared to previous years. In Central America and Mexico, the number of migrants is rising sharply.
Moreover, people are migrating through informal routes, encountering administrative obstacles, accidents and injuries, extortion or sexual abuse along with separation from their families. Furthermore, some people tragically die because of illnesses or severe environmental circumstances.
The number of migrants, internally displaced persons, & returnees in Central America & Mexico is increasing.
IFRC Secretary General @jagan_chapagain is currently in the region visiting Panama, Costa Rica & Mexico.
IFRC launched an emergency appeal to support people’s needs. pic.twitter.com/eyRVCoXJhl
— IFRC (@ifrc) August 3, 2022
This overwhelming demand for help may be impeded by a lack of food, drink, facilities, and first aid supplies. The impact of migration on children is a growing source of worry. Markedly, In 2022, 16% of the migrants crossing the Darien Gap are kids.
Also read: IFRC celebrates 10 years of APMN
Response of IFRC
As the number of people on the move continues to rise in 2022, the IFRC has launched an emergency appeal. This appeal is initiated to meet the needs of people. Moreover, the newly launched IFRC emergency appeal for Central America and Mexico aims to scale up this life-saving humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, it wants the protection of migrants along migratory routes in the region.
The Costa Rica Red Cross is providing critical humanitarian aid throughout the country. The assistance is provided to anybody in need, regardless of their status.
The Costa Rica Red Cross is supporting and protecting people making an annual pilgrimage, or ‘Romeria,’ to Costa Rica’s historic church in Cartago or travelling north in pursuit of a better life.
Also, IFRC is providing individuals on the move in Costa Rica and the rest of the area with access to food, water, legal information, first aid, health, and sanitary facilities along with a safe and friendly environment.
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