human rights

Report details problems

A study prepared by the Red de Derechos Humanos-Panama has provided a scathing assessment of the human rights situation in the country.

But the organization's leader said the report was not meant to be critical; it’s intended to highlight issues that the government needs to address.

"This report is not meant to criticize the government. It’s for helping to create a dialogue to improve the situation in the country," said Alfredo Castillero Hoyos, leader of Red de Derechos Humanos-Panama.

The report was prepared with the help of 33 social agencies and organizations within the country. It identified several problem areas, including discrimination, the abuse of minors, prison conditions, the treatment of refugees and lack of basic resources to protect human rights.

The report is the first comprehensive look at the human rights situation in Panama since 1992.

It noted discrimination against various groups in the country, including the disabled, those living with HIV/AIDS and indigenous residents. With respect to the latter, the report mentioned that the state has encouraged private investment in major tourism projects, hydropower and mining within indigenous areas.

Panama has come under intense scrutiny recently for alleged human rights violations.