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Overview of key figures and trends of persons engaged in mixed and onward movements during the last quarter of 2023 through Colombia, Central America and the United States. Explores data and statistics reported by national and international agencies on missing migrants and mixed movements monitoring.
In 2023, Central America and Mexico experienced an unprecedent surge in human mobility, marked by a significant increase in the number of individuals engaged in mixed movements across Central and North America. A multifaceted interplay of factors, encompassing violence, insecurity, human rights violations, poverty, inequality, and the detrimental impacts of climate change and disasters, has led to the intensification of cross-border movements. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and expectations on changes in US policies regarding territorial access post the lifting of Title 42, coupled with the perception of improved labor opportunities, has further contributed to the rising influx of individuals across the region. Despite increasing restrictions and border controls, thousands of individuals from various nationalities embarked on perilous journeys, often moving irregularly, or seeking resorting to the services of smuggling networks. This resulted in heightened risks, including fatalities, disappearances, extortions, sexual violence, and other severe human rights violations, as evidenced by the alarming number of 862 individuals reported missing.
The upsurge in mixed movements not only exposed refugees and migrants to severe dangers but also placed significant pressure on reception arrangements that were ill-prepared to cope with the increasing demand for essential services such as shelter, food, and healthcare. The dire situation at border crossings and reception facilities, struggling to cater to these needs, highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to address the complex challenges of these mixed flows and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in mobility.
Despite a seasonal decline in arrivals registered in the Darien during the final quarter of 2023, which was, however, 14% higher compared to the same period in 2022, the year witnessed a staggering total of 520,085 arrivals, indicating a 110% increase from the previous year. The majority of these individuals, constituting 63%, originated from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, while Ecuadorians accounted for 11%, and Haitians made up 9%.