Since its creation in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. The Organization is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

In order to strengthen our collaborative work, on December 14, 2021, the executive presentation of IOM's plans and areas of main impact and interest for 2022 was made to key institutions working with migrants. 

The event was attended by directors of cooperation, heads in charge and sub-commissioners of institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the National Women's Institute, the National Migration Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ombudsman's Office, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Public Security, the National Border Service, the Ministry of Social Development, and the National Commission against Trafficking in Persons. 

In recent years, Panama has experienced a considerable increase in extra-regional migratory flows, some in transit to the countries of North America while others remain in the country choosing its destination. In fact, the "World Migration Report 2020", published by IOM, identified that Panama is the fourth country in the region that had the highest proportional variation in population between 2009 and 2019. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple public institutions and civil society organizations that are dedicated to the provision of services or provide assistance to the migrant population, reported in 2020 a significant increase in requests for humanitarian assistance; as well as in the consultations associated with the loss of income, increase in the informal economy, gender-based violence (GBV), suspension of labour contracts or reduction of working hours, evictions, requests for voluntary return, uncertainty about processes related to their migratory and labour regularization, and international protection,  among others. 

Based on the recognition that  identifying migrant populations in vulnerable conditions, as well as their protection and assistance, constitute a complex task that requires the strengthening and joint effort of institutions and organizations,  IOM organized this space for exchange, within the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Organization and prior to International Migrants Day, among various key actors in the exercise of the rights of migrants in vulnerable conditions,  so that in the future collaborative work spaces can be generated as a State to leave no one behind. 

"Migration is not a new phenomenon; it has always been a fundamentally positive part of the human experience, which has managed to stimulate innovation, expand individual opportunities and social horizons of a globalized world; constituting a key factor in sustainable development, increased common understanding across borders and is increasingly important, especially as our world becomes more interconnected and interdependent," said Santiago Paz, Head of the Panama Administrative Centre and Chief of Mission in Panama. 

"For this, it is essential that the systems of cooperation and governance that we establish today facilitate mobility and human connection in a safe, orderly and regular manner," Paz added. 

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