Panama

Go to: ICTJ Activity | Background

Past ICTJ Activity

The ICTJ does not currently work in this country.

ICTJ staff, together with a consultant, traveled to Panama City in March 2001 to assist the Panama Truth Commission. The team provided advice and comparative information to members of the Commission, and continued to offer follow-up assistance.

Back to top

Background

On January 18, 2001, President Mireya Moscoso established the Panama Truth Commission through executive decree. The motivation for the establishment of the Commission was the discovery of a clandestine grave in 1999, located on the site of a former army base near the main airport in Panama City. The grave, which was discovered after three soldiers confessed to their priests about its existence, was believed to contain the remains of several opposition activists murdered during the period of military rule. The Commission was mandated to examine human rights violations in Panama "committed during the military regime" that held power from the October 1968 coup d'état to late 1989. National and international human rights organizations provided assistance and information to the Commission about human rights violations, notably disappearances. While initially given a six- to nine-month mandate, the Commission received an additional six-month extension, and released its final report in April 2002.

Back to top

(Updated June 2008)