Costa Rica and Panama Collaborate to Support Southbound Migrants

Costa Rica and Panama are coordinating efforts to assist southbound migrants returning from the U.S., focusing on safe transit for Colombians, Venezuelans, and Ecuadorians. Security ministers discussed transportation logistics to prevent human trafficking. Additionally, they will accommodate several hundred deported migrants, addressing issues concerning detention conditions.

Costa Rica and Panama are collaborating to facilitate the transit of southbound migrants through their nations, as many people currently return from southern Mexico. This shift has occurred as a response to the Trump administration’s restrictive immigration policies, leading to a surge in migrants reversing their journey towards the U.S. Currently, both nations are grappling with this new dynamic, seeking to provide a safer passage for those returning home.

On a recent meeting in Peñas Blancas, security ministers from both countries discussed organized transportation for migrants heading back to Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Costa Rican Security Minister Mario Zamora emphasized the importance of protecting migrants from human trafficking while facilitating their return. His Panamanian counterpart, Frank Ábrego, underscored the need for regulated transit across both countries to ensure safety for all involved.

Migrants have been reported crossing into Costa Rica from Nicaragua, where they undergo immigration checks before boarding buses directed towards the Panama border. Notably, southbound migrants also recently boarded boats at a Panamanian port to navigate towards the Panama-Colombia border, thus avoiding dangerous land routes like the Darien Gap. However, some migrants have expressed concerns regarding the precariousness of the boat trips, advocating for alternative transportation methods.

Amid this reverse migration, Panama and Costa Rica have also agreed to accept several hundred migrants deported by the United States, primarily from Asian countries. While some of these individuals have willingly returned home, others face detention as authorities and humanitarian organizations seek appropriate measures for their cases. Reports of substandard conditions and lack of legal support in detention camps have emerged.

In light of these developments, lawyers have filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, seeking protective measures for detained migrants to uphold their rights. The situation remains fluid as both nations adapt to this unprecedented migration crisis while striving to enhance the safety and rights of those traversing their territories.

The coordinated efforts by Costa Rica and Panama to manage the flow of southbound migrants highlight the evolving landscape of migration influenced by U.S. immigration policies. With an emphasis on safety and organization, both countries aim to provide a regulated transit for returnees while addressing the challenges associated with their care and rights. Legal advocacy is also emerging as a crucial response to ensure the protection of vulnerable migrant populations.

Original Source: apnews.com