The UN Human Rights Committee today issued its concluding remarks on the fourth periodic report of Panama, after examining the State party at its last session in March of this year.
The findings contain the main concerns and recommendations of the Committee on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as positive aspects. Highlights about Panama include:
- Regarding complaints about hate speech, xenophobia and discriminatory incidents, the Committee recommended that Panama systematically investigate cases of discrimination and violence committed by individuals or State agents, sanction the perpetrators with adequate penalties and provide comprehensive reparation to the victims. victims. He also called for legislative reforms to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, to fully recognize the equality of same-sex couples and guarantee them their rights under the Covenant.
- While taking note of the State party’s efforts to protect the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, the Committee expressed its concern over reports that these people are allegedly victims of murders, disappearances, sexual violence, trafficking, assaults, robberies, intimidation and threats by criminal groups along the Darien Gap in Panama. He called on the authorities to adopt the necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of migrants crossing the Darien Gap and redouble their efforts to investigate and punish those who abused the rights of migrants.
The UN Human Rights Committee reviewed Panama’s fourth periodic report on the implementation of the obligations assumed by the State with the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, during its 137th session in March of this year.
Access the final observations on Panama here.
