It has committed to respect and protect human rights according to international standards as part of its obligations as a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS).
[1] The poor human rights record of Panama during the military dictatorship was highlighted during a fact-finding tour led by US Senator Robert Byrd.
This delegation, which negotiated treaties involving Panama Canal, secured a Statement of Understanding with General Omar Torrijos that included his government's pledge to improve the human rights condition in the country.
As these law enforcement agencies came to be supervised by civilian officials, the development was credited as a major contributor to the decline of human rights violations in the country.
The newspaper La Prensa, its investigative unit, and its reporter Santiago Cumbrera all received threats after publishing irregularities in the Ministry of Labor and the National Land Authority.
Other examples include the case of the newspaper editor Gustavo Gorriti, who was stripped of his work permit after he published reports on corruption and political scandals.
[9] The problem, however, is still a recurring issue due to obstacles such as fear of reprisal, lack of awareness, and societal stigma, which prevent victims from reporting abuse.
[5] According to the U.S. State Department, other human rights issues in Panama in recent years include: torture and other forms of inhuman punishments; harsh prison conditions; and corruption in the judicial system.