The number of refugees and migrants passing through Panama is at an all-time high. Many of them arrive after crossing the Darién Gap – often referred to as the world’s most dangerous jungle – in a bid to reach the United States.
NRC in Panama
Driven by fear and extremely vulnerable, these families are in urgent need of help. So we’re supporting them with food, shelter and safe drinking water – as well as providing vital legal advice and protecting them from harm.
What’s happening in Panama?
Panama is facing unprecedented migration from Venezuela, as well as an influx of families fleeing violence in Colombia. Many of these people are desperate to start new lives in the United States and will do anything to get there – including crossing the Darién Gap jungle into Panama.
This journey is incredibly risky – with hazards ranging from harsh terrain and dangerous animals, to high temperatures and extreme humidity. But worst of all is the threat of violence. In this lawless region, sexual assaults, beatings and robberies are all too common – and many families never make it to safety.
Region: Central America
Population: 4.5 million
Total refugees hosted: 68,501
Driven by fear and extremely vulnerable, these families are in urgent need of help. So we’re supporting them with food, shelter and safe drinking water – as well as providing vital legal advice and protecting them from harm.
What’s happening in Panama?
Panama is facing unprecedented migration from Venezuela, as well as an influx of families fleeing violence in Colombia. Many of these people are desperate to start new lives in the United States and will do anything to get there – including crossing the Darién Gap jungle into Panama.
This journey is incredibly risky – with hazards ranging from harsh terrain and dangerous animals, to high temperatures and extreme humidity. But worst of all is the threat of violence. In this lawless region, sexual assaults, beatings and robberies are all too common – and many families never make it to safety.
Our response
Across Panama, Colombia and Ecuador, we’re working with our partners in the following areas:
- Water, sanitation and hygiene – distributing hygiene and sanitation kits, improving access to wells, pumps and water treatment facilities, and teaching good hygiene practices.
- Shelter and settlements – providing displaced families with emergency shelter and longer-term, more permanent places to stay.
- Livelihoods and food security – delivering emergency food, as well as helping people to earn a living and feed their families in the future.
- Education – helping children to stay in school, distributing teaching materials and providing young people with vital vocational training.
- Protection from violence – ensuring displaced families stay safe by preventing and responding to violence and coercion.
- Information, counselling and legal assistance – helping people access legal documentation, fight eviction and claim the housing rights they’re entitled to.
Download the factsheet for NRC in Colombia, Ecuador and Panama
Our operations
NRC office established: 2019
Areas of operation: Chiriqui, Darien, Panama, West Panama
Country Director: Giovanni Rizzo
Contact: co.nrc@nrc.no
Our impact
In 2023, we assisted 9,144 people in Panama:
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1,986Shelter and settlements
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14Protection from violence
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7,019Information, counselling and legal assistance
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497Water, sanitation and hygiene
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654Other activities
Note: some people received more than one type of assistance.
