MSF sees sharp rise in people seeking treatment for sexual violence after crossing Darien Gap

Reported instances of sexual violence experienced by migrants attempting to cross the Darién Gap rose sharply in December 2023, according to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), despite the fact that crossings of the roadless region between Colombia and Panama were lower than in previous months. MSF teams in Panama treated 214 survivors of sexual […]

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Interview: “The Darién Gap is as dangerous as ever”

Helmer Charris has worked for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for 11 years in various roles, including as a doctor, deputy project coordinator and medical advisor. His assignments include working in many emergency responses in countries including Sierra Leone, Ethiopia [the conflict in Tigray], Mexico, Yemen, South Sudan and, most recently, Panama. Helmer worked in Panama […]

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One couple’s story, from fleeing violence in DRC to giving birth in the Panamanian rainforest

Mimi and Paty were married in their home region of Maniema, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Now 42, Paty is an electromechanical engineer and video cameraman, while  Mimi, 35, is a professor of Islamic theology who did her studies in Iran. After living through years of ethnic violence in Maniema, they finally made […]

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Darien Gap, Panama: MSF reinforces support in response increasing number of migrants

Since May 2021, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has treated more than 14,000 people who were injured while crossing the Darién Gap. More than 11,000 migrants arrived in Panama from Colombia in June, 2021. This is the highest figure so far this year and a very unusual number in one month during the rainy […]

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