Costa Rica and Panama Collaborate to Manage Southbound Migrant Transit
Costa Rica and Panama are working together to manage the transit of southbound migrants returning to their countries after being unable to reach the United States. The initiative aims to improve safety and protect against human trafficking, while legal efforts are underway to address the rights of detained migrants.
Costa Rica and Panama are collaborating to facilitate the transit of migrants heading south through their territories. This initiative follows a shift in migration patterns, with many individuals returning after being unable to reach the United States since the implementation of immigration restrictions by President Trump. Security ministers from both countries convened on Monday at Peñas Blancas, where they outlined the planned transportation for migrants back to their home nations.
The focus of the cooperation will primarily be on Colombian, Venezuelan, and Ecuadorian migrants seeking to return home. Costa Rican Security Minister Mario Zamora indicated that this organized transportation effort aims to mitigate the risks posed by human traffickers. The Panamanian Minister, Frank Ábrego, emphasized the need for regulated transit across both countries.
On the day of the meeting, small groups of migrants crossed from Nicaragua into Costa Rica, where they cleared immigration checks before boarding buses intended for southbound travel. Just a week earlier, migrants had boarded boats in Panama, which transported them to the Colombian border, aiding their avoidance of the perilous Darien Gap.
Some migrants voiced their concerns regarding the mode of transportation. Venezuelan migrant Bárbara Somayor expressed a preference for air travel due to the risks associated with boats, particularly for families with children, stating, “I think it would be better if they offered us air transportation, because boats pose a risk for both adults and children.”
This influx of southbound migrants coincides with Costa Rica and Panama’s agreement to accept several hundred individuals, mainly from Asia, who have been deported by the United States. While some migrants have chosen to return to their home countries, others remain detained as the governments and humanitarian groups seek resolution. Existing detention conditions have drawn criticism, as many detainees report inadequate information and limited legal assistance.
In an effort to protect the rights of detained migrants, a group of lawyers has petitioned the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Their petition requests protective measures for those currently held under challenging conditions at camps previously designated for northbound migrants.
In summary, Costa Rica and Panama are actively coordinating the transit of southbound migrants affected by recent U.S. immigration policies. The focus on safety and regulation aims to shield migrants from human trafficking while addressing the complexities of returning individuals from various nations. Detained migrants have raised concerns regarding their treatment, prompting legal action for their rights protection.
Original Source: apnews.com
