This archive report was first published on 4 October 2021.
Published on October 4, 2021, a group of Haitian immigrants shared their harrowing experiences crossing the Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle region between Colombia and Panama.
With a minimum of $3,000 per person required for the journey, the group had to pay for buses, boats, guides, and bribes to police and military personnel, whom they described as 'legal thieves.'
Upon arrival in Colombia, the group faced a daunting list of expenses, including purchasing machetes, snake oil, tents, and rehydration serum, before embarking on their perilous journey.
One immigrant recounted being exposed to numerous dangers, including witnessing a group of thieves rape a woman, and narrowly avoiding being robbed himself.
Despite the risks, the group pressed on, with some members walking for up to 12 hours a day, and facing harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and muddy terrain.
One immigrant, who was two months pregnant, walked up a mountain for six hours with her heavy backpack, while another had to cross a river to buy food, putting himself at risk of drowning.
