Darien Migration Struggles with Major Challenges Due to Language Barriers

3rd June 2024 By The Global Heroes Migration

At Necoclí dock, two dozen Chinese migrants, with passports and heavy luggage, prepare to cross the bay to Acandí, the entry point to the difficult Darién Gap jungle trek. This 100-kilometer route from Colombia to Panama is the only overland path toward the United States. The migrants, unable to speak Spanish, rely on hand signals to communicate with street vendors, who overcharge them in US dollars to wrap their belongings in plastic for the 40-minute boat ride.

A Colombian handler, who speaks Spanish, manages the group by organizing their passage and handling their documents. Historically, most migrants traversing the Darién Gap were from Latin America and the Caribbean. Still, recent trends show a significant increase in migrants from over 100 countries, including China, Afghanistan, and India. In 2023, over 520,000 people attempted the journey, and in the first three months of 2024 alone, over 110,000 had already crossed.

The sudden internationalization of this migration route has created new challenges for aid groups and governments, particularly due to language barriers. Migrants from non-Spanish-speaking countries face greater risks and difficulties. Bram Ebus, a consultant for the International Crisis Group in Colombia, emphasizes that this influx indicates a broader international crisis.

Several factors drive this trend. Economic hardship, post-pandemic inflation, restrictive migration policies, and rising xenophobia are significant push factors. Venezuelans, who have been fleeing their country’s economic collapse since 2015, often face secondary migrations due to these issues.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return and natural disasters compound the humanitarian crisis. Global conflicts have increased, affecting one in six people worldwide, while climate change exacerbates conditions in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and India, pushing many to migrate.

Visa restrictions and militarized borders in Latin America have made the Darién Gap the only viable overland route for many migrants. For some, like Cubans, Nicaragua offers an alternative due to its relaxed visa policies, but the cost of flights and visas remains prohibitive for many.

Language barriers significantly impact migrants' experiences. Ahmed, a recent graduate from Somalia, illustrates this challenge. He traveled from Kismayo to Las Tecas, a migrant camp near the Darién Gap, speaking English, Somali, and some French. He helped translate for a fellow Somali at a Médecins du Monde aid station, highlighting the critical need for language support in medical and emergencies.

Humanitarian groups like Médecins du Monde are expanding their translation capacities, but many aid organizations still struggle to meet the needs of non-Spanish-speaking migrants. The language barrier is particularly problematic during medical emergencies, where timely communication is crucial.

Migrants also face exploitation and violence. Ahmed’s group was robbed by Peruvian police and other migrants. In Colombia, healthcare access is limited for undocumented migrants, leaving many without essential medical care. Children are especially vulnerable; more than 30,000 crossed the Darién Gap in early 2024, increasing the demand for prenatal and pediatric services.

Despite these challenges, migrants continue to persevere. Ahmed, stranded at the Guatemalan-Mexican border after multiple robberies, exemplifies the resilience and desperation driving this global migration crisis. As the situation evolves, there is a pressing need for coordinated international efforts to address the unique challenges faced by these diverse migrant populations.