IACHR Calls for Continued Dialogue and the respect for rights in the face of Social Conflict and State of Emergency in Panama

July 11, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) observed the situation of social unrest in Panama in the context of protests against Law 462 reforming the social security system. Following the declaration of a state of emergency in the province of Bocas del Toro, which ended on June 29, it took note of the efforts of the Panamanian State to act within the constitutional and legal framework, and called for the judicial guarantees indispensable for the respect of rights and freedoms whose suspension is not authorized by international human rights law.

By means of Decree No. 27 of the Cabinet Council of June 20, 2025, the Executive Branch of Panama declared a State of Urgency in the province of Bocas del Toro and suspended the effects of at least 8 constitutional norms until June 25, subsequently extending it until June 29. The state of urgency was decreed due to the closure of public roads in the province, in breach of agreements assumed between groups of demonstrators and state authorities; and "criminal acts and urban terrorism" perpetrated on June 19. The article referring to the writ of habeas corpus was suspended during the first decree issued by the Executive Power. In this regard, Panama indicated that this remedy had not ceased to be guaranteed during the validity of Decree No. 27. Furthermore, it pointed out that the State of Emergency was adopted in accordance with national legislation and in response to serious events that put public order and citizen security at risk, emphasizing that its application was temporary.

Likewise, during the state of emergency, the National Authority of Public Services temporarily suspended the mobile telephony and residential internet service in Bocas del Toro, except in specific sectors. The State highlighted the exceptional and time-limited nature of the measure, which prioritized the continuity of critical services and the protection of public safety. It also recognized the importance of guaranteeing access to information at all times.

For its part, the Ministry of Public Security confirmed the detention of at least 376 people during the security operation deployed within the framework of the State of Emergency decreed. The Commission was also informed that on June 26, the Ombudsman's Office filed a formal complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate the alleged death of a 1 year and 8 month old girl, who reportedly lost her life from tear gas poisoning during an incursion by security forces in Bocas del Toro.

The IACHR has stressed that judicial guarantees and protection must be safeguarded for all persons and in all circumstances related to the deprivation of liberty, including in the context of a state of emergency. This, since they constitute a means to protect the respect for the life and integrity of the person and prevent forced disappearance and provide, in turn, protection against torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as has been recognized by the Inter-American Court.

The Commission has also indicated that the Internet is a key platform for documenting and making visible possible human rights violations. It is also a fundamental tool for citizen participation and the exercise of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and access to information, which are particularly relevant in complex scenarios such as states of emergency. Limitations to its access, including temporary or permanent blockades during social protests may constitute illegitimate restrictions to the rights of association and assembly.

Since April 2025, various social organizations, unions, educators, peasant and indigenous communities have expressed their rejection of Law 462, stating that this reform would regressively affect acquired rights in terms of pensions and social benefits. In the case of indigenous peoples, the IACHR was informed that the protests were also motivated by the lack of free, prior and informed consultation on extractive projects, in violation of Inter-American standards regarding the exploitation of natural resources in their territories.

According to reports from indigenous and civil society organizations, the intervention of security forces during the protests has resulted in evictions, arbitrary detentions, physical aggressions, threats and stigmatization of indigenous leaders, particularly in the community of Arimae. The IACHR also warns of serious differentiated impacts on the human rights of the Ngäbe-Buglé, Guna Yala and Arimae indigenous peoples, as well as the excessive use of force by State security forces. The Panamanian State expressed to the Commission its willingness to investigate any allegations of excessive use of force or arbitrary detentions, and reiterated its commitment to accountability and respect for human rights.

In addition, it indicated that it maintains channels of dialogue with indigenous peoples and is committed to strengthening consultation processes, in accordance with international standards. The Commission also takes note of the approval of Law 471 of June 16, 2025, which establishes a special regime for workers of banana companies and independent banana producers, based on discussions with the respective sector.

The Commission appreciates the progress made in the negotiations between demonstrators and different state agencies that have allowed the unblocking of public roads. In this regard, it invites the strengthening of these mechanisms for genuine dialogue between the different social and political sectors, which should be inclusive and culturally appropriate with indigenous peoples, recognizing their diversity, self-determination, and their own forms of representation.

The Commission recalls that States have the obligation to guarantee the right to social protest, including respect for personal integrity, freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly. State interventions must respect the principle of legality, necessity and proportionality, and reserve public order control tasks to forces duly trained in the differentiated use of force. Acts of violence do not justify the indiscriminate use of force by the State. The Commission also recalls that the suspension of rights and guarantees is only authorized in extraordinary circumstances and must observe the strict limits established by the American Convention.

The Commission encourages continued dialogue in favor of strengthening human rights in the country. In this regard, will continue to observe the situation in Panama and reiterates its willingness to provide technical assistance to the State, in compliance with its international human rights obligations, including those relating to the rights of indigenous peoples and in the area of freedom of expression.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate arises from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 138/25

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