Panama presented voluntary pledges and commitments, in support for its candicacy for 2016-2018 on 17 March 2015.
Key pledges include, inter alia:
At the national level: implement the Treaty Bodies and UPR recommendations received and to develop a system for monitoring the implementation of such recommendations; ensure that international human rights provisions are incorporated into national legislation; promulgate comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation; take measures to ensure gender equality; create a national mechanism for the prevention of torture; adopt a law for the protection of children; build a shelter for victims of human trafficking; align the procedures for determining refugee status with international standards; ensure that human rights education is part of the country’s school curricula.
At the regional level, Panama committed to: support the strengthening of the inter-American human rights system and the implementation of its recommendations; promote cooperation among the mechanisms of the inter-American human rights system and those of the United Nations; support the regional strategy of the OHCHR.
At the international level, Panama committed to: strengthen Council as the principal United Nations human rights body; support the Council and its mechanisms; promote the strengthening of the UPR; support the creation of a mechanism to review and assess on an annual basis the degree to which both Council members and candidates cooperate with the Council and its special procedures; participate actively in the UPR; support initiatives to mainstream gender equality into all United Nations human rights activities; support the Council’s efforts to combat torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment; support initiatives aimed at protecting human rights defenders; back initiatives of the President of the Council that aim to immediately put an end to the intimidation and harassment of individuals and groups that cooperate or seek to cooperate with United Nations; foster open and honest dialogue with the special procedures and mechanisms of the Council; protect the independence of the OHCHR; and demand, as appropriate in emergency situations, an effective and immediate response from the system for the protection of human rights.
An analysis of steps taken by Panama in fulfilment of its pledges shows that it has not yet designed a national mechanism for the prevention of torture. In terms of cooperation with the Council, Panama has participated in a very low number of debates and dialogues (less than 10%). Regarding cooperation with the Treaty Bodies, Panama has ratified all eight core human rights conventions but has not submitted its periodic reports under four of them.
Cooperation with international human rights system
Most overdue report
Fulfilment of past voluntary pledges & commitments