Fundación Iguales participated in person in Geneva, Switzerland, at the seat of the Human Rights Council, to analyze the human rights situation of LGBTIQ+ people in Panama, emphasizing the urgency of aligning national legislation with international standards.
During the interactive dialogue of the UN Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Panama, over 20 recommendations were made to Panamanian representatives by states from various regions, including Chile, Iceland, Uruguay, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia. These referred to strengthening the protection of minorities and complying with or ratifying international instruments that protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
The foundation stated that the absence of a legal figure granting recognition to same-sex couples generates violations of fundamental rights associated with family, property, health, pensions, and the State's role as a protector. Consequently, it is imperative that future decisions are made with the active participation of LGBTIQ+ civil society.
Fundación Iguales recognizes the progress made by the Panamanian State; however, it urges notable and rapid changes to its current regulations and institutional practices to ensure a culture of respect and non-discrimination. The foundation welcomes the coherence and commitment of the states that urged Panama to move towards full equality.
Additionally, the urgent adaptation of legal gender recognition procedures was called for, seeking to make them administrative, swift, secure, and based on self-determination. The explicit inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories in the Anti-Discrimination Law (Law 7 of 2018) was also requested. These recommendations focus on key areas where Panama lags behind other countries in the region.
