Since 1990, International Migrants Day has been commemorated every 18 December, proclaimed by the United Nations with the aim of recognising the positive impact  of  migrants on host communities  and,  in turn,  reaffirming the commitment  to protect the  dignity  and well-being of all people by ensuring that migration is safe, orderly and regular. 

For this reason and  within the framework of the  Integration strategy of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Festival of Interculturality  was commemorated on Sunday, 12 December,  with the aim of promoting integration and participation between the host population and the migrant population in the district of La Chorrera. 

National families and resident migrants gathered at the Plaza 28 de Noviembre Sports Center to enjoy cultural presentations such as the Professor Luis Moreno’s Danza del Gran Diablo of La Chorrera, the Sociedad China Chack Kai’s traditional Dance of the Lions, the Niños de la Tía Popy singing group, and the Sin Fronteras Choir made up of 20 Venezuelan children and adolescents residing in Panama,  as well as a bazaar for entrepreneurs, sports activities, storytelling, and information stands. 

As an intergovernmental body, IOM works closely with host communities, organizations and local governments, as well as  its partners in the international community, to help address the challenges posed by migration at the operational level, foster the understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration,   ensure respect for human dignity and the well-being of  migrants. 

Representatives of the Municipality of La Chorrera, Casa de La Cultura, the Herrera Community Board, the Barrio Colón Community Board, the Barrio Balboa Community Board and the Altos de San Francisco Health Center were present at the Interculturality Festival. Likewise, the private sector was present, with Cemento Progreso Panamá, and civil society organizations, such as  Nuevos Horizontes Organization, Group #16 of the National Association of Scouts of Panama, RET Americas and the Sin Fronteras Organization. 

On behalf of the IOM team in Panama, legal advice, mental health workshops, and referrals to other services, including the MINSA health information booths that were on site, were provided. Additionally, IOM was promoting the Piénsalo 2 Veces and Somos Lo Mismo communication campaigns. 

"Sustainable development means progress for all and not just for some. It is everyone's task to ensure respect for human dignity and the well-being of all people," said Santiago Paz, Head  of the Panama Administrative Centre  and IOM Chief of Mission in Panama. 

"With policies and strategies that support the social, economic and cultural inclusion of migrants in destination countries, and with spaces like this that promote integration and entrepreneurship, it is possible to reinforce the positive effects of migration," Paz added. 

For more information, contact IOM Panama's communications team via iompanama@iom.int