Central America

IFRC warns of growing health barriers for migrants in the Americas

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a warning on Tuesday about the urgent health needs faced by migrants in the Americas, who “must overcome increasing barriers” and suffer from a “lack of comprehensive healthcare” in both transit and destination countries.

“The insufficiency of healthcare services and the barriers to access are putting lives at risk, exacerbating health inequalities, and putting immense pressure on already fragile national health systems,” the IFRC stated in a release marking the publication of the report Migration and Health in the Americas: Needs and Services Assessment.

The report, which compiles data from 2021 to 2023, indicates that in the case of migrants in transit, “between 60% and 70% require healthcare, with general medical services being the most needed,” while in destination countries, “up to 74% require healthcare services, such as maternal and pediatric care, treatment for chronic diseases, mental health services, and specialized care.”

Pedro Porriño, IFRC’s Emergency Health Coordinator for the Americas, emphasized that “access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and the barriers migrants face—whether due to their irregular status, lack of documentation, or fear of deportation—must be dismantled.”

“It is essential to provide comprehensive healthcare that addresses their needs, from basic medical care to specialized treatments for chronic conditions, mental health support, and services for people with disabilities,” Porriño added.

20250509_dengue_728x90

20250501_vacunacion-influenza-728x90

20250501_vacunacion_vph-728x90

20250501_mh_noexigencia_dui_728x90

20231124_etesal_728x90_1

20230601_agenda_primera_infancia_728X90

domfuturo_netview-728x90

20240604_dom_728x90

CEL

The IFRC highlighted that in Panama, a country that experiences a steady flow of migrants crossing the dangerous Darién jungle, the Red Cross has provided nearly 750,000 services over the past six years, mostly to migrants needing first aid, general medicine, mental health support, access to clean water, vaccinations, and sexual and reproductive health care.

“Addressing the health needs of migrants should be a priority, and recognizing the role of local Red Cross teams in providing assistance, protection, and dignity is an opportunity for governments and donors to ensure migrants’ right to health,” said Martha Keays, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas.

Central America

Panama begins reverse migration by sea for 109 stranded migrants

Panamanian authorities have transported a group of 109 migrants of various nationalities by sea to La Miel, a Caribbean town on the country’s border with Colombia, to continue their return journey to South America. The move comes after the migrants failed to settle in the United States, following stricter immigration policies implemented under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

The National Migration Service (SNM) of Panama announced in a statement on Tuesday that the transfer was carried out from the Caribbean port of Colón using a vessel from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (Senan). The operation was part of the country’s so-called “reverse flow” initiative, aimed at facilitating the safe return of migrants.

The official report noted that the group included migrants from nine different nationalities, with 75 adults and 34 minors on board. Authorities emphasized the “inter-institutional commitment to safe and humanitarian reverse migration.”

A source familiar with the process, speaking anonymously to EFE, confirmed that the vessel departed on Monday. Many of the migrants had opted into the reverse flow program after arriving at the Temporary Attention Center for Migrants (CATEM) in Costa Rica, where coordination was made with Panamanian authorities for their return.

Central America

Ombudsman: Tear gas overused in Arimae protest crackdown

Panama’s Ombudsman Office stated on Tuesday that the National Police (PN) used excessive tear gas to disperse a protest in the indigenous community of Arimae, which escalated into a violent clash lasting several hours and leaving multiple people injured on both sides.

After a two-day visit to Arimae, a town in the Darién province about 200 kilometers from Panama City, Ombudsman Eduardo Leblanc reported that “there was clear evidence of the excessive use of tear gas in the community, which has caused various health issues among the population.”

The confrontation occurred on June 5, when police forces arrived to clear a section of the Pan-American Highway — which spans the entire country — that had been blocked by residents using tree trunks. The blockade was part of a protest against a newly enacted social security reform.

According to EFE, police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, while demonstrators hurled rocks, sticks, arrows, and even Molotov cocktails.

Central America

Honduras sees 7.8% rise in external public debt year-on-year

Honduras’ public sector external debt reached $9.96 billion by the end of April 2025, marking a 7.8% increasecompared to the same period in 2024, according to a report released Tuesday by the country’s Central Bank (BCH).

The figure represents a rise of $725.8 million compared to the $9.24 billion recorded between January and April 2024.

However, the debt balance decreased by $243.2 million compared to December 2024, when it stood at $10.2 billion. This reduction was primarily due to higher principal payments totaling $410.8 million, while new disbursements reached only $87.4 million, resulting in a net amortization of $323.4 million. This effect was partially offset by unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations, which increased the debt balance by $80.2 million.

By institution, the general government holds 90.8% of the debt (approximately $9.05 billion), followed by the monetary authority with 7.7% ($770 million), non-financial public enterprises with 1.3% ($126.6 million), and public financial institutions with 0.2% ($16.5 million), the BCH detailed.