Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.
Promote Economic Inclusion
Panama
HIAS staff talk to Ecuadorian Shuar indigenous migrant family in Bajo Chiquito, Darién Province, Panama. August 2, 2023. (Tarina Rodriguez for HIAS)
Country Director
Oliver Bush
Office Locations
Chiriqui, Darién, Panama City
Founded
2010
Staff Size
35
Contact
+507 391 5171
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.
11,000
people reached directly through services in 2021
Our Work
HIAS Panama helps refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants access dignified and sustainable livelihoods, leading to self-reliance and economic inclusion in their new communities. HIAS Panama helps individuals and families recover from the shock of displacement, build resilience, and live in safety, protected from harm, violence, and discrimination.
We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.
End Gender-Based Violence
HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.
Provide Legal Support
Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.
Promote Economic Inclusion
Impact Story
Desperation Drives Thousands Through Darién Gap
In the untamed wilderness of Panama’s Darién Gap, thousands of refugees, mostly Haitians, Venezuelans, and Cubans, attempt the perilous journey through Colombia to Panama and points north every week. HIAS, which has well-established operations in Panama and nearby Colombia and Costa Rica, has staff members on the ground in the region to help those in need.
Read more
Former HIAS Panama Country Director Roberto Mera reports from the Darién Gap in Panama on the increased numbers of migrants traveling through the region.
HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption.
For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.
Give Now