Panama
In early 2026, Panama is navigating a complex human rights landscape. While it remains a stable democracy with generally respected civil liberties, the country is currently grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis at its borders, escalating tensions over land and resource rights, and significant concerns regarding corruption.
The following are the main human rights issues currently associated with Panama:
1. The Migrant and Refugee Crisis (Darien Gap)
The Darien Gap, a lawless stretch of jungle on the border with Colombia, remains one of the world's most dangerous migration routes.
Violence and Abuse: Migrants—primarily from Venezuela, Haiti, and Ecuador—face systemic violence from criminal groups, including extortion, kidnapping, and a high rate of sexual assault.
State Response: In late 2024 and 2025, the administration of President José Raúl Mulino began "closing" certain jungle routes with barbed-wire barriers and initiated US-funded deportation flights. Human rights groups argue these measures strip migrants of their right to seek asylum and push them into even more dangerous, clandestine paths.
Humanitarian Strain: Temporary migrant reception centers (ETRMs) often face overcrowding and lack adequate medical and sanitation services.
2. Indigenous Rights and Land Disputes
Conflict between the state and Panama’s seven Indigenous groups has intensified in 2025 and early 2026.
Territorial Integrity: Indigenous communities, particularly in the Ngäbe-Buglé and Naso Tjër Di regions, continue to struggle for legal titles to their ancestral lands. They face constant pressure from illegal logging, cattle ranching, and government-backed infrastructure projects.
Resource Conflicts: Protests have erupted over plans to dam the Río Indio (to support Panama Canal water levels) and the potential reopening of the Cobre Panamá copper mine. Both projects are viewed by Indigenous groups as threats to their environment and autonomy.
Repression of Protesters: Reports from late 2025 indicate a rise in police violence against Indigenous activists, including arbitrary detentions and the use of excessive force during roadblocks and demonstrations.
3. Corruption and the Rule of Law
Corruption remains a "chronic illness" in the Panamanian political system, undermining the public’s trust in the judiciary.
Impunity for High-Level Officials: The case of former President Ricardo Martinelli—who was granted asylum by Nicaragua to avoid a money-laundering sentence—is a symbol of the perceived inability of the courts to hold the powerful accountable.
Judicial Independence: Concerns were raised in 2025 after the dismissal of senior prosecutors who had been leading major anti-corruption investigations, suggesting political interference in the legal process.
4. Women’s and LGBTQI+ Rights
While Panama has passed new policies for gender equality (2024–2034), significant gaps remain in practice.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Rates of domestic violence and femicide remain high. Activists have criticized the "institutional downgrade" of the Ministry of Women, which they argue has weakened the state's ability to protect victims.
LGBTQI+ Discrimination: Panama does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions. LGBTQI+ individuals lack comprehensive legal protection against discrimination, and efforts to pass an "Ethical Electoral Pact" to protect their rights during the 2024–2025 elections saw little political support.
5. Economic Inequality and Labor Rights
Despite being a high-income economy, Panama has some of the highest levels of inequality in Latin America.
Poverty Gaps: In Indigenous comarcas, extreme poverty exceeds 60%, and children face severe malnutrition and lack of access to clean water.
Labor Unrest: In early 2025, massive protests broke out over Law 462 (Social Security reform). Unions and social movements have faced mass arrests and, in some provinces like Bocas del Toro, the temporary suspension of constitutional rights like the freedom of assembly.