And the answer is… A.) In 2023, an unprecedented 520,000 people crossed the Darien Jungle, double the number of people who crossed in 2022.

What’s happening in the Darien jungle? Here are six things you need to know:

In 2023, 520,000 people crossed the Darien jungle. The majority were from Venezuela, Haiti, Ecuador, China and Colombia.
More than 115,000 of those who have crossed are children.
2 out of 5 people interviewed by UNHCR suffered from mistreatment or abuse in the jungle.
People are fleeing their countries because of attacks, threats, insecurity and lack of access to employment, education and health services.
3 out of 10 people surveyed by UNHCR saw dead bodies on this treacherous journey. Some found up to 20 bodies along the way.
UNHCR and partners are providing essential information on access to asylum, psychosocial support, basic necessities and accommodations.

The situation is dire. This unprecedented crisis requires a united and coordinated regional approach.