Associated Press By ARNULFO FRANCO
JAQUE, Panama (AP) _ Fleeing violence in their home country andsettling in the jungle of southern Panama, poor Colombians cross their country's northern border into Panama. But their problems don't end there. Human rights organizations say Colombians that sneak into Panama must cross dangerous jungles or seas. Once they arrive, they are often unwelcome.
"Serious violations of human rights persist against the Colombian population," said Ricardo Castillo, of the Legal Assistance Alternative of Panama. Castillo's organization was among several that took part in workshops to educate local residents and refugees about the rights of Colombia's displaced in Panama's remote southern border communities. More than 1,000 Colombians are estimated to be living in Panama's jungle while they seek refugee status. About 400 of them live in Jaque, a coastal town on the Pacific ocean located 170 miles (270 kms) from Panama City.
Another 150 people live in Puerto Obaldia, on the Atlantic side, and the rest live in several villages scattered throughout southern Panama. The Colombians in Jaque arrived nearly two years ago, fleeing violence in the Colombian village of Jurado. Many have returned voluntarily and with the help of Colombian, Panamanian and U.N. officials.
"They are guaranteed a safe return," said David Salayandia, a government spokesman.
Others choose to stay, however, fearing more violence in their home country. Those who remain face a tough fight for refugee status. Many have
trouble finding work, housing and education, a declaration sent out last
month by several human rights organizations said.
Some complain that police won't let them move freely from town to
town.
"There are times that the Colombians can't leave the village for three or four days, and they lose job opportunities that residents offer them in fields or fishing," Castillo said. Residents, however, complain that the refugees rob them. Others allege Colombia's violence is spilling over into Panama, with armed groups using the region to smuggle drugs or rest and resupply.
