More than 7.7 million people have migrated from Venezuela as a result of a years-long political, economic and humanitarian crisis, many of whom are risking their lives in the process.

Every day, thousands of migrants cross the jungle area "El tampon del Darién" on the border between Colombia and Panama. The area is lawless, without a state, and controlled by criminal groups. Many have been walking for weeks and months, hoping to reach the United States to create a better and more dignified life for themselves.

I recently visited the area with colleagues from other Caritas organizations in Colombia and Europe. The purpose was to learn about the challenges of migrants and the work of the church in the region. And how we can strengthen the work towards the target group.

Dangerous journey

In Turbo and Necocli, two small villages in northern Colombia, we witnessed total chaos as migrants – many of them families with young children – gathered to wait their turn to cross the Gulf of Uraba. From there, they can begin their journey north. The migrants are registered by so-called “guides” and boat companies who will lead them across to Acandí and Capurganá, two villages on the other side of the gulf.

This is also where the perilous journey through the Darién jungle begins. With the exception of two officers, there are no police or other government officials to be seen. Sitting on a bench, they receive completed registration forms from the guides.

Gets paid well

The region is controlled by the infamous “Clan de Golfo”, which has its roots in the paramilitary groups that were established in the 1990s. With six to nine thousand members, the Gulf Clan is Colombia’s largest armed group. They themselves claim that they have nothing to do with the migrants. But there is no doubt that they control everyone who moves in the area. They also take good payments from groups and individuals involved in the migration route.

According to the International Crisis Group (ICG), almost 250,000 migrants crossed the Darién in 2022, and the number for 2023 is expected to be closer to half a million. The driving force is the economic and political problems that millions of families are experiencing in Latin America and around the world. The United States is the destination for the vast majority. In addition to the boat ticket, a fee is charged for each individual migrant, including children. It is estimated that the migration flow brings the Gulf clan millions of dollars in revenue every week.

Huge needs met

The majority of migrants come from Venezuela. However, according to the ICG, Chinese, Haitians, Afghans and Somalis are also among the more than 97 nationalities who have set off north in 2023. In the absence of a government registration system, there is no good overview of how many men, women, children and young people become victims of human trafficking, or die on the way due to exhaustion and illness.

At the two ports of exit, a few other humanitarian organizations are present to help. Through the local church, they are working Caritas tirelessly providing food, psychological and legal support, and protection. Together with a regional network consisting of Caritas -organizations from Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia are doing our best to support the migrants. But with the ever-growing flow, we are unable to meet everyone's needs.

Dialogue established

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has pledged to implement the 2016 peace agreement and has launched an ambitious process aimed at lasting peace under the slogan “Paz total.” As part of the work, a dialogue has been established between the government and several armed groups, including the leaders of the Golf Clan, with the aim of starting negotiations.

To ensure a safer situation for people on the run and that their rights are protected, migration policy should also be central to the negotiations with the clan. The migrants' right to seek a better future north must be fulfilled, something Caritas The network continues to work to ensure that the state complies.