Panama is permitting 112 migrants deported by the U.S. to stay for an additional 30 days, with potential for extension. The group, primarily from Asia and the Middle East, includes individuals seeking asylum. Concerns persist over their safety and the lack of solutions for future status, prompting legal representation to advocate against repatriation.
Panama has granted a temporary reprieve to over 100 undocumented migrants deported by the United States, allowing them to remain in the country for an additional 30 days, as stated by Security Minister Frank Ábrego. This group, largely composed of individuals from Asia and the Middle East, will receive humanitarian permits that could be extended for up to 90 days, following their rejection of assistance from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration.
Initially part of a larger group of nearly 300 migrants sent to Panama under the previous U.S. administration’s deportation policy, the remaining 112 deportees include nine Afghans, 12 Chinese, 24 Iranians, and two Russians. Many have been detained in a makeshift camp near the Darien jungle and have expressed concerns about their future and safety concerning repatriation.
Attorney Ali Herischi, representing several Iranian asylum seekers in the camp, noted that they are apprehensive about signing any release documents due to vagueness surrounding their terms. One asylum seeker, Artemis Ghasemzadeh, has conveyed her fear of returning to Iran due to the threat of persecution for her religious beliefs.
A group of lawyers advocating for the deportees welcomed the decision but stressed the need for a long-term solution to prevent the repatriation of asylum seekers after the temporary period. Silvia Serna Roman, one of the attorneys involved in a pending lawsuit against Panama, emphasized the lack of government solutions for those unable to return home safely.
The deportees also include children and individuals facing threats due to their religion or sexual identity. They were initially housed in a hotel in Panama City before being transferred to a challenging camp environment, characterized as dirty and lacking basic necessities.
President José Raúl Mulino of Panama has defended the government’s actions regarding the deportees, denying any accusations of human rights violations throughout the deportation process and their treatment in Panama.
Panama’s decision to allow 112 migrants deported from the United States to remain for an additional month demonstrates a shift in approach amidst ongoing concerns about their safety. While this temporary reprieve is welcome, significant issues regarding the long-term treatment and rights of asylum seekers remain unaddressed. It is crucial for the Panamanian government to develop a viable solution for those at risk of persecution upon return to their home countries.
Original Source: www.waow.com
