Latin America is the area in the world where migration has increased the most in recent years. For many, it is the dream of the United States that attracts. But the way there goes through one of the world’s most dangerous migrant routes.
To get from Colombia in South America to Panama, the road goes through the Darién Gap – an impenetrable jungle.
“Is dangerous for everyone”
In addition to hunger and sprained feet, there is a significant risk of being robbed, raped, bitten by a snake or even murdered along the way. Katiuska tells how she was in the jungle for seven days, where she was raped by a group of men with automatic weapons.
– I do not recommend anyone to make that journey. It is dangerous for everyone, both women and men, she says.
Now the US is planning to open migrant centers in Colombia and Guatemala so that more people can apply for asylum remotely. But for 19-year-old Ángel, the plans change nothing.
– I am on my way up, that process would take too long. We want to go now.
Below, SVT’s reporter meets three young guys who talk about the difficult journey through impenetrable jungle.