Sonía Chacon

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I decided to come to Panama


when I heard about the terrible and violent situation


that migrants were experoencing when crossing the Darién.


I decided that I had to do something.


I had previously worked with Doctors without Boderdes in a project on sexual violence in Caracas.


So I knew I had the skills to help them.


When the migrants cross the Darién, they are not only exposed tot the dangers of the jungle,


but also to the violence of people who rob and rape them.


I see the sacrifices they have made, leaving their loved ones behind,

to make their dreams come true.


My idea is to support them,


to make them feel that somehow they are not alone.


During my tour in the camp


I m especially concerned about the safety and protection of certain groups (women, children, LGBTQI*).


Somethimes they tell me about health issues and

I immediately direct them to our medical tent and the care that we provide there.


At other times they tell me about situations of violence that they have experienced


or of some mental health symptoms that they have presented


and we begin the psychological care in a space of privacy and confidentiality.

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Migration is not a crime: We demand safe migration routes for people in danger.