The Panama MIRPS National Action Plan focuses on supporting refugees and asylum seekers who are primarily located in urban settings. As of June 2020, Panama is home to 2,531 refugees and 15,239 asylum seekers. The government, along with partners such as UNHCR, has developed a comprehensive plan to address the refugee situation in the country.
Panama officially joined the process leading to the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) in 2017. Through national consultations involving various stakeholders, a National Plan of Action was developed to strengthen protection and solutions for asylum-seekers and refugees.
The MIRPS in Panama is coordinated by an Executive Committee comprising the Ministry of Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNHCR. A new government took office in 2019, reaffirming its commitment to the MIRPS and updating the National Plan of Action to address current displacement dynamics in the country.
The National Plan includes strategies to improve access to basic rights, livelihoods, and local integration for refugees and asylum seekers. Despite challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Panama has made significant progress in providing protection and humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Partnerships have been strengthened with government institutions, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and UN agencies to support the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees. The involvement of various stakeholders is crucial in ensuring the well-being and rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Panama.
Overall, the Panama MIRPS National Action Plan is a comprehensive framework to enhance refugee protection and support in the country. By prioritizing commitments such as social protection and strengthening legal frameworks, Panama is taking significant steps to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers.
Attribution:
This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://globalcompactrefugees.org/gcr-action/countries/panama.