Every December 18, International Migrants Day is commemorated to highlight the resilience and contributions of millions of people on the move around the world, while reflecting on the increasingly complex context in which human mobility occurs. With this year's message, "Every Step", the International Organization for Migration (IOM) seeks to foster public understanding of the benefits of regular migration pathways, position migrants as an engine for sustainable development, and show diverse actors who actively benefit from well-managed migration.

Throughout the country, multiple activities were carried out to commemorate International Migrants Day. The festivities began much earlier in the province of Panama Oeste, with the cultural fair "United in Diversity" that took place on December 14 at the sports facilities of the Plaza 28 de Noviembre in La Chorrera. Migrants and people from the host communities received free legal advice and were able to enjoy recreational activities, music, dance, sports and a small business bazaar. Together with strategic partners from the municipalities of Arraiján and La Chorrera, as well as community-based organizations, an inclusive space for learning and cultural exchange was guaranteed.

On December 18, IOM's flag was raised at the City of Knowledge, where IOM's Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean, the Panama Administrative Centre (PAC) and the Country Office are located. Furthermore, the temporary exhibition "The History that Unites Us: An Identity Woven through Migration" was inaugurated at the Museum of Liberty. This exhibition offers an educational and positive view of the profound impact that migrants have had on the national identity throughout history and highlights key aspects of Panamanian culture that are generally not recognized as contributions of migrants.

Activities were also carried out at the borders on that day. In Paso Canoas, located on the border between Panama and Costa Rica, the Permanent Commission for the Protection and Assistance of Migrants in Vulnerable Condition (COPPAMI) organized the Binational Migrant Fair. With the participation of international organizations and the ministries of health of both countries, orientation services on security, migration and well-being were offered, in addition to free HIV and syphilis tests and vaccination, as well as talks on health promotion, mental health and disease prevention.

In the province of Darien, on the border with Colombia, the artistic activity "Sharing Identities through Art" was held, in which migrants in transit through the Temporary Migrant Reception Centre (ETRM) of Lajas Blancas represented with brushstrokes and colours their traditions, dreams and countries of origin, promoting union, understanding and mutual recognition of the cultural riches that each person contributes.

"If I had to define the meaning of a migrant in one word, I would say 'dreamer.' Migrants have goals and objectives we want to achieve, and that is what drives us to migrate. That’s why I am motivated to inspire other young people to believe in their dreams and make informed decisions that will allow them to build a dignified future," expressed Carlos Gutiérrez, a young Colombian migrant and leader of the Think Twice strategy in Panama.

IOM recognizes the enormous contributions that migrants make to the societies, economies and cultures of countries of origin, transit and destination. Despite their important role in global development, many migrants continue to face discrimination, exclusion and vulnerabilities. The current challenges of irregular migration, xenophobia and barriers to accessing basic services underscore the importance of adopting inclusive policies and practices that ensure a safe, orderly, and dignified migration that is beneficial for all.

"Every migrant has a unique story, full of challenges and triumphs, and it is our collective responsibility to create an environment where they can thrive. On this day, we remember that we are all part of a global community and that together we can build a more inclusive and compassionate world," concluded Ana Durán-Salvatierra, IOM's Deputy Regional Director of Operations for the Americas and the Caribbean.

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