The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has launched the project “Strengthening Protection and Social Cohesion in the Darién Region”, an initiative funded by the European Union that aims to provide comprehensive support to local communities affected by migratory flows in the province of Darién.

 

The event was inaugurated by the European Union Ambassador to Panama, H.E. Izabela Matusz, who highlighted the EU’s commitment to defending human rights and protecting communities in situations of vulnerability in the Darién region. She further emphasised that strengthening the social fabric is essential for enabling communities to face the challenges arising from migratory dynamics. The event also featured remarks from H.E. Doris Janneth Bill Fábrega, Vice-Minister for Indigenous Affairs at the Ministry of Government; Jonathan Santana, Director of International Affairs at the Office of the Ombudsman; Ricardo Pichel, Deputy Director for International Organisations and Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mikel Mendezona, Head of the Programme Unit at the Norwegian Refugee Council for Colombia, Ecuador and Panama. The project’s technical presentation was delivered by Luis Lanza, Coordinator of the NRC Office in Panama. The event was also attended by media representatives, members of the National Assembly, and diplomatic delegations from several EU Member States, including the Netherlands, Hungary and Italy.

The project focuses on local communities located along the migratory route between Panama and Colombia, which have been facing a crisis as a result of the massive movement of people through the Darién. In 2023 alone, this route was used by more than half a million people, placing a significant socio-economic burden on communities already struggling with structural poverty and limited public services. The constant pressure of these flows has further exacerbated the vulnerability of these populations and increased their economic dependency on migratory dynamics. In light of this situation, the project seeks to strengthen the social fabric and promote community cohesion.

The initiative targets three key groups. Firstly, vulnerable local communities, which will receive support through the strengthening of infrastructure, improved access to rights and basic services, and the active promotion of social cohesion. Secondly, governmental institutions and local authorities, which will benefit from training and the provision of tools to improve response coordination and strengthen institutional capacity. Thirdly, people affected by displacement, who, despite a recent decrease in migratory flows, continue to require specialised protection services.

The project’s main objectives include:

  • Supporting local communities, particularly indigenous ones, by strengthening their resilience, organisational structures, and capacity to cope with migratory pressures without losing their cultural identity.
  • Mitigating protection risks by strengthening traditional governance, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting positive community dynamics.
  • Reducing risks for people in transit by fostering mutual understanding and respect between migrants and local communities.

During his remarks, Mikel Mendezona stressed the importance of this project in reshaping the image of the Darién:

The communities of the Darién have been much more than points of passage. They have been a refuge, they have been a source of support, they have been humanity itself. With this project, we want the Darién to be remembered not only as a route of forced transit, but as a space of solidarity, resilience and hope.

Thus, among the expected outcomes is a significant improvement in social cohesion and in the resilience of communities located along the mixed migration route, through the implementation of community initiatives, the enhancement of local infrastructure, and support for local leadership. Risk mitigation in terms of protection is also anticipated through the provision of advice to community members and access to specialised services. Furthermore, the project aims to increase awareness among local communities and people affected by displacement regarding protection risks. Finally, the capacity of public servants and key stakeholders will be strengthened through training sessions, protection monitoring, awareness-raising activities on rights, and leadership and protection workshops.

With this initiative, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to Panama and to the most vulnerable populations, supporting sustainable, inclusive solutions grounded in the strengthening of local capacities.