UNHCR Panama Factsheet, April - June 2026

Countries: Panama, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Highlights The National Commission for the Protection of Refugees (CONARE) met twice, granting refugee status to 35 people from Colombia, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. As of June, Panama hosted 2,733 recognized refugees. In its capacity as technical commissioner, UNHCR provided legal and technical support for case assessment and the application of international refugee protection standards. UNHCR met with the Specialized Higher Technical Institute (ITSE) to discuss initiatives that help refugees access technical education, skills training, and micro-credentials, and to strengthen employability and self-reliance opportunities. In June, 10 refugees attended an open fair at the institution and received information on academic programmes and admission pathways, enabling them to apply for the August/September intake. The Agency participated in the Afro-Latin Caribbean Youth Congress in Colón province, as a panelist and facilitator for discussions on forced displacement. A young refugee shared his experience and advocated for inclusion. The final Declaration included a provision on refugee youth, In Darién and Chiriquí provinces, UNHCR strengthened coordination and referral pathways with national counterparts, including the Ombudsperson’s Oce, and the National Migration Service (SNM). In Darién, UNHCR accompanied the National Oce for the Attention of Refugees (ONPAR) in delivering 30 permanent residency resolutions to long-term refugees, part of an ongoing process benefiting approximately 200 refugees. UNHCR led a technical briefing on international protection for 50 representatives from banking and financial institutions to improve access to financial services for refugees and people at risk of statelessness. The Agency also trained the National Association of Human Resources Professionals of Panama (ANREH) on inclusive hiring, reaching staff from some 20 companies. UNHCR and Fundación Estudio TAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support refugee training and employability. Eleven refugees completed a customer service course, undertook store internships, and joined a recruitment pool. Estudio TAC works to reduce employment barriers for vulnerable youth, running fashion retail programmes accredited by the Ministry of Education that prepare candidates for roles aligned with companies such as Zara, Stradivarius, and Pull&Bear.
2026-08-12 00:32:50