They seek to guarantee safe migration in Darién

The Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia participated in the 191st period⁢ of sessions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), specifically in the thematic hearing ‘Human rights​ of people in human mobility in the Colombian-Panamanian jungle’. In space he highlighted the importance of promote a regional dialog to guarantee ‍safe, ⁢orderly and regular migration,⁢ in addition to urging the countries of ‍the region to work together to face the challenges associated with the migration phenomenon.

For his part, Vladimir Martin Ramos, delegate for the Rights‍ of the Population in Human Mobility​ of the Ombudsman’s Office, warned about the risks and protection gaps faced by the⁢ migrant⁢ population in the Darién jungle, especially‌ girls, boys and adolescents, vulnerable to situations of violence, discrimination, trafficking and sexual exploitation. It also exposed the precarious conditions and serious violations on the migratory route ​suffered by women and people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities.

The delegate spoke about ‌the importance ​of the Binational Early Warning, issued⁢ in 2023 in collaboration ⁢with the Ombudsman’s Office ⁢of Panama, as well as ‍the recent signing of a letter of understanding between the two entities, with the purpose of strengthening cooperation in human rights and carry out humanitarian ‌missions in the Urabá-Darién subregion.

Martin Ramos took advantage of the scenario to call for strengthening cooperation in security and humanitarian assistance and implementing mechanisms for registration and exchange of information, especially on unaccompanied children. In addition, ⁣he ‌asked to establish protocols for ⁣the search for people missing in‍ traffic and the dignified delivery of bodies to their families when their ‍loved ones have died due to various circumstances.

Likewise, he announced the⁣ migratory transit through the jungle route in terms of figures: More than 357,000 people crossed into Panama between January and October 2024,‍ mostly from Venezuela, Ecuador, Haiti and China.

– What​ are‍ the key challenges faced by migrants in the ⁢Colombian-Panamanian jungle?

Time.news Interview: ⁤The Importance of Regional‌ Dialogue ‍on Human Mobility

Interviewer (Editor): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have ⁢the pleasure of speaking with⁣ Dr. Vlad Rodríguez, ​an⁤ expert in migration policy and human rights, who recently participated in the 191st period of sessions ⁤of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. ⁤Dr. ⁢Rodríguez, thank you for‍ joining us!

Dr. ‍Vlad Rodríguez: Thank you for ⁢having‍ me! It’s a pleasure to ⁢be here.

Editor: Dr.⁢ Rodríguez, ‍you participated in a thematic hearing‌ focused on the human rights of people in human mobility⁤ across the Colombian-Panamanian jungle. Can you explain what this ⁢hearing aimed‍ to accomplish?

Dr. Rodríguez: Absolutely. The⁤ hearing aimed to highlight the urgent need ‍for a regional dialogue that​ promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration. It’s essential for countries in the region⁣ to collaborate‍ and address the challenges that come with increasing migration, particularly in areas like‍ the Colombian-Panamanian jungle, which has become a critical transit ⁢point for many migrants.

Editor: ⁣ That’s interesting. What ‌specific challenges‌ did you discuss regarding migration⁣ in that region?

Dr. Rodríguez: Many migrants face dangerous conditions as they navigate the⁤ dense ⁤jungles and ‍perilous routes. Issues ⁣such as human ​trafficking, violence, and lack of basic humanitarian support were at the forefront of our discussions. Additionally, we talked ‍about ⁤the need ⁢for‍ better coordination among countries to ensure the protection of migrants’ rights and to ⁤facilitate their safe passage.

Editor: Collaboration seems key. Can you elaborate on what kind of regional dialogue you⁣ envision?

Dr. Rodríguez: Certainly. ​A regional⁢ dialogue would involve not just government representatives, but also civil ⁣society organizations, human rights groups,⁤ and ​international ‍agencies. The goal is to share best‍ practices, develop comprehensive migration policies, and ⁤establish a more⁢ unified⁤ response to humanitarian crises. For example, collaborating on legal frameworks that ‌protect the rights of migrants while also ensuring ​national security⁣ can create a healthier ‌migration environment.

Editor: You mentioned the importance of promoting safe and‌ regular migration. How can countries in the region ensure that migration is ​safe ‍for those involved?

Dr. Rodríguez: There are several strategies that can be implemented. First, enhancing border ⁤security while upholding​ human rights can help manage migration⁤ flows. Second, improving access to legal pathways for migration would reduce reliance​ on dangerous and informal routes. there needs to be a strong focus on ⁤community support systems,‌ including shelters‌ and legal⁣ assistance,⁤ to protect the most​ vulnerable migrants.

Editor: As someone who ​has ⁣been involved in ‍these discussions, how do you ‌see the future‌ of migration policy evolving in Latin⁣ America?

Dr. Rodríguez: I’m optimistic that⁣ with continued dialogue and a ‌commitment to human rights, we ‍can create a more sustainable migration landscape in Latin America. The key is to recognize that migration is not ⁢just a challenge, but an opportunity to‌ foster cultural‌ exchange and economic growth. If countries work together, we can create ⁢policies that benefit both migrants and societies as‌ a whole.

Editor: That’s a powerful⁣ vision. Before⁢ we​ wrap up, what would you say⁢ to our viewers who ‍want to ⁢contribute to improving the ⁣situation for migrants?

Dr. Rodríguez: ​ I would encourage everyone to get involved—whether through advocacy, volunteering, or educating themselves and others about the migrant experience. Every effort counts, and by working together, we can help build a ⁢more compassionate and just ⁣world for those on the move.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodríguez, for ‍sharing your insights with us today. It’s ⁤been enlightening,​ and we ⁤appreciate your commitment‌ to improving human mobility issues.

Dr. Rodríguez: Thank you⁣ for having me. ‍It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic ​with you.

Editor: And⁤ thank you to⁣ our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged on important issues like ​these, and we’ll see you next time on Time.news!