Panama Real Estate Blog

Panama seen as human trafficking depot

The US State Department of Trafficking of Persons has called on Panama to do more in eradicating and combating human trafficking, despite the fact that Panama has already imposed significant legislation in fighting these tragic events and occurrences. The main areas of the problem seemed to be on the borders of Costa Rica and Colombia, where human traffickers can cross undetected. The main victims of this human trafficking are said to be woman and children, who are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The victims of such human trafficking, are of both domestic and international origin, and include children, from indigenous populations that are forced into prostitution in the Darien province, by their parents, with international victims including adult woman from Columbia,  Dominican Republic and surrounding Latin American countries. It is claimed that some of them come voluntarily, but all later forced into prostitution. Panama used to have what was known as the alternadora visa, which allowed foreign woman to enter the country and work as companions or prostitutes, however the Martin Torrijos administration eliminated this type of visa and significantly changed the Penal Code to impose greater punishment upon human trafficking individuals that were caught.

Unfortunately issues such as the global economic crisis, as well as the promise of a better life contribute to the issue of human trafficking, and many individuals fall for false promises made by the people involved in this human trafficking. This issue remains an ongoing fight for countries across the world.

National police to patrol Panama University

Necessary steps that have to be implemented at the University of Panama include the assistance of the national police to ensure student security and safety. This has come about due to an increase in theft and mugging, on the University’s campus. Unfortunately the students are seen as easy targets, with the criminals blending into the student life and taking advantage of solitary students. The presence of the national police is hoped to deter such criminal activity and occurrences.

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