Oliver Bush
Panama is a country of transit and destination for displaced people from across the region. Panama currently hosts over 150,000 Venezuelans, however, the refugee status determination and asylum processes can be lengthy and costly. In addition to Venezuelans, Panama also hosts thousands of displaced Central Americans, and serves as a transit point for refugees and migrants traveling north in search of asylum.
HIAS has been operating in Panama since 2010. Programs across the country support refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants by providing them with tools to build new lives. HIAS Panama adopts a community-based approach across its programs, promoting the wellbeing of host communities and strengthening the capacity of local leaders.
HIAS takes a holistic approach to its interventions and offers integrated programming in GBV prevention and response, community-based mental health and psychosocial support, and economic inclusion. HIAS Panama is also one of the key actors in the humanitarian response in the Darién Gap, with several offices located in the Darién province.
