Panama Grants Temporary Stay to 112 U.S. Deportees Amid Humanitarian Concerns
Panama will permit 112 undocumented migrants deported by the U.S. to stay for at least 30 days. The group, including asylum seekers from Asia and the Middle East, will receive humanitarian permits, potentially extendable to 90 days. Legal representatives express concerns about their future and the conditions at the makeshift camp, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and protection from repatriation.
The Panamanian government has announced that it will allow 112 undocumented migrants deported by the United States to remain in the country for a minimum of 30 days. This decision, communicated by Security Minister Frank Ábrego, will give the deportees temporary humanitarian permits, with the possibility of an extension up to 90 days. The group consists mainly of individuals from various Asian and Middle Eastern countries who opted out of repatriation assistance offered by international organizations.
Among the migrants, who were part of a larger contingent sent to Panama due to the previous U.S. administration’s deportation policy, are asylum seekers from areas plagued by violence or persecution. This remaining group includes nine Afghans, twelve Chinese, twenty-four Iranians, and two Russians. Notably, many have been held in a makeshift camp situated near the hazardous Darien jungle.
Attorney Ali Herischi, representing several Iranian asylum seekers, reported that the individuals are hesitant to sign departure paperwork, citing concerns over the unclear conditions of their release. One client, Artemis Ghasemzadeh, who fled Iran due to religious persecution, expressed fears for her safety if forced to return. “We are in danger,” she communicated, highlighting the dire situation of these migrants.
Legal representatives for the deportees, previously involved in a lawsuit against the Panamanian government in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, have praised the new decision. They assert, however, that further measures are essential to prevent the deportation of asylum seekers once the 90-day period concludes. Attorney Silvia Serna Roman emphasized the commitment made by the Panamanian government to avoid repatriating those at risk and to ensure the release of such individuals from detention.
The group includes vulnerable populations, including children and individuals at risk due to their sexual or gender identity. Initially housed in a hotel in Panama City, they have since been relocated to a challenging and unsanitary camp with limited access to essential amenities such as medicine and internet connectivity. In response to the criticism of their treatment, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has firmly denied any violation of the migrants’ rights, asserting the government’s adherence to humane practices.
In summary, Panama’s decision to allow 112 deported migrants to remain temporarily in the country addresses immediate humanitarian concerns but raises serious questions regarding their future and safety. While the actions taken demonstrate a shift in government policy, the uncertainty surrounding the long-term solutions for these individuals remains a significant challenge that must be addressed adequately. The plight of these individuals underscores the ongoing need for international cooperation in addressing migration and asylum issues.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
