Dokument #2082793

USDOL – US Department of Labor (Autor)

2021 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Panama

Moderate Advancement

In 2021, Panama made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The government launched a new digital platform for reporting child abuse complaints, including cases of children subjected to commercial sexual exploitation, begging, and forced labor. The Ministry of Labor also signed an agreement with the National Council of Private Enterprises that promotes a public-private partnership for the creation of a network of companies that work on the prevention and eradication of child labor. In addition, the government increased the number of labor inspectors from 93 in 2020 to 105 in 2021, as well as provided social services to 800 child survivors and children at risk of child labor. However, children in Panama are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture. Panamanian law allows minors under age 16 to engage in hazardous work within training facilities in violation of international standards. Moreover, labor law enforcement agencies lack the financial and human resources necessary to fulfill their mandate. Finally, existing social programs are insufficient to address the full scope of the child labor problem in the country, in particular for children living in rural areas and from indigenous and Afro-Panamanian communities.

 
I. Prevalence and Sectoral Distribution of Child Labor

Children in Panama are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture. (1-5) Table 1 provides key indicators on children's work and education in Panama.

Table 1. Statistics on Children's Work and Education

Children

Age

Percent

Working (% and population)

5 to 14

4.5 (33,594)

Working children by sector

5 to 14

  

Agriculture

  

71.1

Industry

  

3.5

Services

  

25.4

Attending School (%)

5 to 14

95.7

Combining Work and School (%)

7 to 14

5.0

Primary Completion Rate (%)

  

86.1

Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2020, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2022. (6)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization’s analysis of statistics from Encuesta de Trabajo Infantil (ETI), 2016. (7)

Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.

Table 2. Overview of Children's Work by Sector and Activity

Sector/Industry

Activity

Agriculture

Production of coffee, melons, and onions (3,8-11)
 

Raising livestock, including cattle and poultry (2,3,12,13)
 

Fishing,† including harvesting shellfish (2,3,9-15)

Industry

Construction,† including painting and carpentry (1,2,14)

Services

Domestic work† (2,3,8,12-14,16,17)
 

Waste collection in garbage dumps† (18)
 

Street work,† including vending,† washing cars, shining shoes,† and collecting recyclables† (1,3,9,12-14,19)

Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡

Forced domestic work (5,20)
 

Use in the production of pornography, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (3,9,14)
 

Commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (5,9,14,16)
 

Use in illicit activities, including in drug production and drug trafficking, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (13)

† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of ILO C. 182.
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.

Children in Panama are subjected to commercial sexual exploitation, as well as forced labor, particularly domestic servitude. (5) They also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture, where their working conditions may involve the use of chemicals, machinery, machetes, and other dangerous tools. Additionally, children working as street vendors are vulnerable to exploitation, gang activity, harassment, abuse, and vehicular accidents. (13)

According to the results of Panama’s 2016 survey on child labor, the highest prevalence of child labor is in the agricultural sector in rural areas and autonomous indigenous areas, or comarcas. In particular, the comarca Ngäbe Buglé and the provinces of Panama and Bocas del Toro had the highest number of children engaged in child labor. (2)

In 2021, many schools held all their classes virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This created barriers to accessing education, such as lack of internet and access to electronic devices, leading to increased inequality in education. (13)

Although the Panamanian Constitution recognizes the right to education without discrimination, indigenous children and those in rural and Afro-Panamanian communities face barriers to accessing education due to a lack of transportation, infrastructure, quality sanitation, technology, and teachers, particularly in the comarcas. (1,9,13) Some schools lack potable water and electricity, and in some cases students in different grades are forced to share the same classroom. (13) Children of indigenous descent often live in difficult to reach areas due to lack of roads and have to travel significant distances to reach school. (21) Indigenous children have very low school enrollment rates, especially in secondary and higher education. (23) Panamanian law requires that schools integrate children with disabilities, but most public schools do not have adequate facilities for them. (24)

II. Legal Framework for Child Labor

Panama has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).

Table 3. Ratification of International Conventions on Child Labor

Convention

Ratification

ILO C. 138, Minimum Age

✓

ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor

✓

UN CRC

✓

UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict

✓

UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

✓

Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons

✓

The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Panama's legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including establishing a minimum age for hazardous and light work that meets international standards.

Table 4. Laws and Regulations on Child Labor

Standard

Meets International Standards

Age

Legislation

Minimum Age for Work

Yes

14

Article 70 of the Constitution; Articles 508–509 and 716 of the Family Code; Articles 117, 119, and 123 of the Labor Code (25-27)

Minimum Age for Hazardous Work

No

18

Article 510 of the Family Code; Article 203 of the Penal Code; Article 4 of Executive Decree No. 19 of 2006; Article 118 of the Labor Code (25-30)

Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children

Yes

  

Articles 2, 2A, and 2B of Executive Decree No. 19 of 2006; Article 118 of the Labor Code (27,28,30)

Prohibition of Forced Labor

Yes

  

Articles 207 and 456 of the Penal Code; Article 489 of the Family Code; Articles 4 and 63 of Law 79 on Human Trafficking; Article 21 of the Constitution (25,26,29,31)

Prohibition of Child Trafficking

Yes

  

Articles 205–208 and 456 of the Penal Code; Article 489.17 of the Family Code; Article 63 of Law 79 on Human Trafficking (26,29,31)

Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Yes

  

Articles 179–187, 189–191, 202–203, 207, and 456 of the Penal Code; Article 63 of Law 79 on Human Trafficking (29,31)

Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities

Yes

  

Articles 318, 333, and 336 of the Penal Code; Article 489.16 of the Family Code; Article 2.16 of Executive Decree No. 19 of 2006 (26,29,30)

Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment

N/A†

    

Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military

N/A†

    

Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups

Yes

  

Article 448 of the Penal Code (29)

Compulsory Education Age

Yes

15

Articles 34 and 45 of the Law on Education; Article 489 of the Family Code; Article 95 of the Constitution (25,26,32,33)

Free Public Education

Yes

  

Articles 34 and 41 of the Law on Education; Article 95 of the Constitution (25,32,33)

† Country has no standing military (25)

Currently, Panamanian law has a list of hazardous occupations prohibited for children under age 18, but it permits children to perform such work in training programs starting at age 14, in violation of international standards. (28)

Although the Constitution, Family Code, and Labor Code set the minimum age for employment at age 14, the Family Code and Labor Code specify exceptions for agricultural work. (25-27) Article 119 of the Labor Code allows children ages 12 to 15 to perform light work in agriculture if the work is outside of regular school hours. The Labor Code, however, does not define the kinds of activities children may perform as light work. (27) In addition, the minimum age for work is lower than the compulsory education age, which may encourage children to leave school before the completion of compulsory education.

III. Enforcement of Laws on Child Labor

The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.

Table 5. Agencies Responsible for Child Labor Law Enforcement

Organization/Agency

Role

Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL)

Enforces child labor laws through two directorates with direct authority over child labor matters: the Directorate Against Child Labor and for the Protection of Adolescent Workers (DIRETIPAT), and the Labor Inspection Directorate. DIRETIPAT is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of laws related to working children in the formal and informal sectors, planning and executing public policies, and carrying out education programs on child labor for employers, parents, and children. (16,34,35) DIRETIPAT also manages the newly established Direct Government Action Program for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor that seeks to prevent and eradicate child labor. Refers cases of children found in exploitative work to the Child and Adolescent Courts, or to the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence, and Family (SENNIAF). (16) The Labor Inspection Directorate enforces the Labor Code in areas in which children may be working, particularly in the formal sector. (16)

Attorney General's Office

Investigates and prosecutes crimes of sexual exploitation. Investigations are initiated by the Judicial Investigative Directorate, after which cases are passed to the prosecutors. (16)

National Secretariat of Childhood, Adolescence, and Family (SENNIAF)

Conducts inspections to identify children and adolescents engaged in child labor, particularly in the informal sector. (16,73) Coordinates, articulates, executes, and monitors compliance with policies for the comprehensive protection of the rights of children and adolescents, through the formulation of plans, programs and protection measures, as well as the monitoring and coordination of government services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. (36,73) Runs shelters for victims of human trafficking, including minors. (13)

Juvenile Police

Assists, collaborates with, and coordinates with authorities and organizations to address the education, prevention, protection, and rehabilitation of children, including those in child labor. (37,38) It is a special body of the National Police. (13)

Labor Law Enforcement

In 2021, labor law enforcement agencies in Panama took actions to address child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the authority of the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL) that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including allocating sufficient financial resources.

Table 6. Labor Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Labor Law Enforcement

2020

2021

Labor Inspectorate Funding

$1,307,476 (9)

$1,151,738 (13)

Number of Labor Inspectors

93 (9)

105 (13)

Mechanism to Assess Civil Penalties

Yes (27)

Yes (27)

Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor

N/A (9)

N/A (13)

Refresher Courses Provided

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Number of Labor Inspections Conducted

10,478 (74)

14,686 (74)

Number Conducted at Worksite

10,478 (74)

14,686 (74)

Number of Child Labor Violations Found

2 (9)

4 (13)

Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed

2 (9)

0 (13)

Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected

2 (9)

0 (13)

Routine Inspections Conducted

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Routine Inspections Targeted

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Unannounced Inspections Permitted

Yes (27)

Yes (27)

Unannounced Inspections Conducted

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Complaint Mechanism Exists

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

 In 2021, the government carried out a total of 14,686 inspections, 1,764 of which were child labor specific inspections, compared to 914 child labor specific inspections in 2020. (74) DIRETIPAT conducted inspections in two provinces: Panama Oeste and Panama. Inspected sectors included waste management, car washes, vehicle and motorcycle repair shops, spas, horse stables, and the transportation sector. (13) During the reporting period, DIRETIPAT found four companies to be non-compliant with child labor laws, there were two pending sanctions in 2021. (13)

MITRADEL, SENNIAF, and the Juvenile Police participated in 69 interagency operations for the eradication of child labor in each of Panama's provinces. (13) The province of Panama, which has the largest population, had the most cases of child labor, particularly in shopping malls, mall stores, and street vendors. Meanwhile, in the interior of the country most child labor was found in the agricultural sector. (13) SENNIAF reported removing 118 children involved in child labor and providing each of them with social services, including readmission to schools, health services, and grants, as well as follow-up to prevent recidivism. (13) DIRETIPAT identified 800 children and adolescents who were victims of or at-risk for child labor, including 298 children below the minimum age for employment, 3 adolescents over 14 years of age in informal jobs, and 499 children and adolescents at social risk whose condition of poverty may force them to perform child labor to help improve household income. It is unclear if any of these children were identified through labor inspections. (13) These children will receive care and services, scholarships, and academic follow-up for 3 consecutive years from the Direct Action Program for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor and Casa Esperanza. (13)

In 2021, labor inspectors were provided with in-person and virtual training on child labor and hazardous child labor laws, though most training was virtual due to restrictions put in place as a result of the pandemic. It is also unknown if all inspectors received training on child labor issues. (13) Of the 105 labor inspectors employed by the government, in the headquarters and regional offices, only 6 specialize in child labor and dangerous work, even though all inspectors must investigate and enforce child labor laws. (13) In the regional offices, all inspectors are multi-sectoral, inspecting for health, safety, administrative, and child labor infractions. Some inspectors are specifically assigned to the Department of Inspection of Child Labor and are responsible for verifying and enforcing laws relating to child labor. (13) MITRADEL and the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence, and Family operate a secure 311 Complaint Line, a website, WhatsApp phone number lines, and social media platforms to receive complaints. (9,13)

During the reporting period, the government also provided training on the use and administration of the Child Labor Monitoring System (SMTI) in the city of Chitré for technical personnel and Regional Directors of MITRADEL, with the purpose of updating and strengthening competency on the management of SMTI. (40)

The budget for the Labor Inspection Directorate is insufficient to meet its staffing needs. DIRETIPAT reported a need for additional funding to increase the number of labor inspectors nationally, and for tools such as telephones and laptops to carry out their work. (9,13,21,41) During the reporting period, the budget of the labor inspectorate decreased in approximately 12 percent from that of 2020. (13) In 2021, Panama had 105 labor inspectors, which is likely insufficient for the size of Panama's workforce, which includes more than 1.9 million workers. According to the ILO's technical advice of a ratio approaching 1 inspector for every 15,000 workers in industrializing economies, Panama would employ about 130 labor inspectors. (42,43)

Criminal Law Enforcement

In 2021, criminal law enforcement agencies in Panama took actions to address child labor (Table 7). However, the government did not provide sufficient data on its criminal enforcement efforts, which limits the ability to assess their efforts.

Table 7. Criminal Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement

2020

2021

Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor

N/A (9)

N/A (13)

Refresher Courses Provided

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

Number of Investigations

Unknown (9)

Unknown (13)

Number of Violations Found

Unknown (9)

Unknown (13)

Number of Prosecutions Initiated

Unknown (9)

Unknown (13)

Number of Convictions

Unknown (9)

Unknown (13)

Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor

Unknown (9)

Unknown (13)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services

Yes (9)

Yes (13)

The government did not provide information on its criminal law enforcement efforts for inclusion in this report. In 2021, the government worked with various institutions and NGOs to train a broad section of government officers on addressing trafficking in persons, as well as in identifying and providing services to victims. In total 796 people were trained in topics related to trafficking in persons. (44)

The Trafficking in Persons Commission and the Organized Crime Special Prosecutor's Office have both indicated that it is difficult to prosecute trafficking in persons cases, partially because judges do not have specific knowledge of the trafficking in persons law. (44)

During the reporting period, SENNIAF and the NGO Crime Stoppers of Panama launched a new digital platform for reporting child abuse complaints. Through this platform, which is active 24 hours a day, people are able to report situations of abuse of children and adolescents to government authorities, including cases of children subjected to commercial sexual exploitation and begging or forced labor. (45)These complaints are received by a specialized team of the Juvenile Police, that works in coordination with SENNIAF, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office, and Crime Stoppers. (45)

IV. Coordination of Government Efforts on Child Labor

The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). 

Table 8. Key Mechanisms to Coordinate Government Efforts on Child Labor

Coordinating Body

Role & Description

Committee for the Eradication of Child Labor and the Protection of Adolescent Workers (CETIPPAT)

Coordinates various efforts to combat child labor. Led by the First Lady of Panama and includes MITRADEL, the ministries of Education, Health, and Agriculture, and representatives from civil society and organizations of workers and employers. (46) Conducts a National Child Labor Survey. (73) It is a public‐private institution that includes government, employers, workers, and NGOs that collaborate to address child labor. (13,16) In 2021, technical teams of DIRETIPPAT and SENNIAF met to discuss the implementation of the new child labor survey within the framework on the pandemic, and to begin its organization. (47) Together with the Ombudsman Defensoría del Pueblo carried out an awareness campaign in the Grand Station of San Miguelito on the human rights of children and adolescents, where it oriented peddlers, ticket sellers, and street vendors on the risks of child labor. (48) It also worked with Defensoría del Pueblo to develop a 2021-2024 plan to create a day of awareness, teach about bad practices, and promote children's rights. (49) Carried out trainings for parents and children on the regulations against child labor and work permits for minors in the province of Herrera. (50,51)

Subcommittee to Combat Child Labor

Coordinates the Panamanian Institute for Sports and the Ministry of Education in their efforts to address child labor and its causes. Subcommittee of CETIPPAT. (13) Reports indicate it was active in 2021, and that it held various meetings. (73,75)

Provincial Coordination Mechanisms

Identify and report cases of child labor at the local level to SENNIAF and coordinate with CETIPPAT at the national level. Established in Bocas del Toro, Colón, and Darién. (13) Additional commissions were established in Chiriquí, Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos, Coclé, and Panama Oeste. (1,3) In 2021, it continued carrying out identification and reporting of cases of child labor, as well as held trainings for its members. (73)

National Commission for the Prevention of Crimes of Sexual Exploitation (CONAPREDES)

Coordinates, advises, studies, and implements public policies for the prevention and eradication of sexual exploitation. (46) Members include the Attorney General and the ministries of Labor, Education, Social Development, and Health. Refers cases of sexual exploitation to the Attorney General's Office. (46) In 2021, launched a campaign against sexual exploitation of minors called "Soy Persona No Objeto". It was displayed in metro trains and stops, as well as in other high transit areas. (44) CONAPREDES also coordinated a week of media appearances on TV, radio shows, newspapers, and social-media platforms ahead of the campaign launch, together with a mass distribution of flyers in high transit areas. (44)

On December 27, 2021, officials from MITRADEL and the president of the National Council of Private Enterprises signed a Framework Cooperation Agreement that promotes a public-private partnership for the formation and articulation of a network of companies that actively work on the prevention and eradication of child labor and the protection of adolescents. (13,52)

V. Government Policies on Child Labor

The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including a lack of implementation of key national policies.

Table 9. Key Policies Related to Child Labor

Policy

Description

Direct Government Action Program for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor

A MITRADEL initiative implemented through the Institute for Training and Utilization of Human Resources that provides a network of social and economic services to child workers and children at risk of child labor. Services include the provision of food and scholarships, support for sports activities, and social monitoring. (13) Replaced the Roadmap Towards the Elimination of Child Labor (2016–2019) in 2020. (9) During the reporting period, it provided scholarships for children and adolescents to incentivize them to attend school and not work. (18,53,54) Together with NGO Casa Esperanza will provide the 800 children and adolescents identified by DIRETIPAT in 2021 as victims of or at-risk for child labor with social services, scholarships, and academic follow-up for three years. (13)

National Multisectoral Strategy for the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Adolescents (2018–2022)

Aims to eliminate child labor and end the mistreatment, exploitation, trafficking, violence, and torture of children. Developed by the national government through the National Intersectoral Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Adolescents and SENNIAF, with technical support from UNICEF. (55,56) Research was unable to determine whether activities were taken to implement this strategy during the reporting period.

National Action Plan for the Prevention and Elimination of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents

Seeks to prevent and eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, including by providing services to victims, strengthening CONAPREDES, and raising awareness. Implemented by CONAPREDES, with support from the Public Ministry. (13,46,57) In 2021, it held several meetings. (73)

National Plan Against Trafficking in Persons (2012–2022)

Combats human trafficking through prevention, victim assistance, and international cooperation. Includes provisions to protect child victims of human trafficking. (13,41,58) In 2021, multiple government agencies met several times to coordinate the strengthening of the fulfillment of the plan, as well as to train officials so that they have the tools for the early detection of victims. (44)

Districts Free of Child Labor

Establishes cooperation agreements between MITRADEL and municipal councils to design and implement child labor eradication strategies. (3) Includes policies related to development and education projects that support poverty reduction. During the reporting period, five new agreements for districts free of child labor were established with the districts of Arraiján, Ocú, Santa Fe, La Mesa, and David. Additionally, the agreements with the districts of San Miguelito and Aguadulce were renewed. (73,75)

The Coordination Agreement on Labor Migration between the Ministries of Labor of Costa Rica and Panama aims to strengthen dialogue on labor migration between the two countries, with an emphasis on indigenous Panamanian migrant workers, to ensure social protection of migrant workers and their families. The policy includes a bilateral technical committee to promote joint action to address human trafficking, exchange information, and develop cooperative strategies and projects. (59) Although potentially a useful policy tool to combat child labor, child labor elimination and prevention strategies do not appear to have been integrated into this policy.

VI. Social Programs to Address Child Labor

In 2021, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including their ability to reach the most vulnerable populations.

Table 10. Key Social Programs to Address Child Labor

Program

Description

SENNIAF programs to identify, remove, and provide services to children engaged in the worst forms of child labor and commercial sexual exploitation†

Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor identifies children engaged in the worst forms of child labor, removes them from exploitative situations, and connects them to a network of social and economic services offered by the government. Maintains a case processing system to efficiently manage reports and help reduce report processing times. (1)

Prevention and Care for Child and Adolescent Victims of Sexual Violence identifies children engaged in commercial sexual exploitation, removes them from exploitative situations, and provides them with social services. Conducts training workshops nationwide for professionals providing direct care to child and adolescent victims of sexual violence. (60) Reports indicate these programs were still active in 2021. During the reporting period, SENNIAF commemorated the World Day Against Child Labor by distributing flyers on child labor in an effort to raise awareness on the issue. (61) Through these programs SENNIAF provided training to facilitate the integral development of children and adolescents involved in child labor. Additionally, 118 children received services from SENNIAF after having been removed from child labor. (13)

Network of Opportunities†

Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) program that provides conditional cash transfers to families in extreme poverty, conditioned on their children's participation in health and education services and the acquisition of a birth certificate. Offers training to project participants to improve income-generating opportunities. (62) In 2021, the cash transfers to vulnerable families continued. (63) Additionally, it provided rural women residing in the Ngäbe Buglé region a total of 7,380 pounds of yams and ñampí, in attempt to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of families residing in the region. As part of this effort the government also delivered vegetable seed kits, including seeds for cucumber, beans, watermelon, and pumpkin. (64) The assistance targeted vulnerable communities where sources of employment are scarce, such as Cerro Caña Centro, La Emeregilda, and Las Trancas, which have a poverty index of more than 90 percent. According to MIDES this investment reached more than $2.2 million and benefitted approximately 650 families. (64)

El Plan Colmena†

Seeks to reduce poverty and inequality in the country’s most vulnerable districts. It prioritizes 12 areas of intervention including comprehensive childhood care, improved nutrition, access to clean water and basic sanitation, health, education, and the development of productive capacities to ensure the sustainability of communities. (73) It was active in 2021, conducting trainings on positive behavior and parenting, as well as family communication. (65-68)

† Program is funded by the Government of Panama.

Although the Government of Panama has expanded programs that reach children in rural areas and from indigenous and Afro-Panamanian communities, reports indicate that the scope of these programs is insufficient, and these children remain vulnerable to the worst forms of child labor. (69,70)

Despite policy efforts, the National Anti-Trafficking Commission acknowledges that funding for and availability of services for human trafficking victims remains insufficient to address the full scope of the problem. Furthermore, although victims of child trafficking are able to receive services from local NGOs, Panama lacks programs to specifically address the needs of this population. (4) Government officials have also noted that despite funds dedicated to the prevention of crimes against children, Panama lacks a specific mechanism to direct funds toward child sexual abuse victims. (71,72)

In the past, there were widespread allegations of abuse against children in SENNIAF facilities, specifically shelters, which were later verified through an independent investigation. Child trafficking survivors in Panama are referred by the government to SENNIAF to receive services, including shelter, these are administered by NGOs and religious organizations. (20) Yet, children in these facilities are vulnerable to recruitment by traffickers. Additionally, reports indicate that SENNIAF’s budget is insufficient to support restructuring or other largescale efforts needed to reduce children’s risk of suffering abuse, which heightened their vulnerability to trafficking. (20)

VII. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Panama (Table 11).

Table 11. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Area

Suggested Action

Year(s) Suggested

Legal Framework

Ensure that the law protects children from hazardous work by establishing a minimum age of 18 for all children or by ensuring that children receive adequate training in the type of work being done and that the health, safety, and morals of children are protected in accordance with international standards if children ages 16 or 17 are allowed to perform hazardous work.

2013 – 2021
 

Establish regulations that define the types of activities that children ages 12 to 14 can undertake as light work.

2009 – 2021
 

Raise the minimum age for work to the age up to which education is compulsory.

2019 – 2021

Enforcement

Ensure that all inspectors receive regular, specialized training on child labor issues.

2018 – 2021
 

Allocate sufficient funding for the Directorate Against Child Labor and for the Protection of Adolescent Workers to meet its commitments for coordination, implementation, and monitoring related to child labor.

2014 – 2021
 

Increase the number of labor inspectors from 105 to 130 to meet the ILO's technical advice.

2020 – 2021
 

Collect and make available information on the number of investigations, violations found, prosecutions initiated, convictions obtained, and penalties imposed related to the worst forms of child labor.

2018 – 2021
 

Ensure that judges are sufficiently trained on laws related to forced labor, the worst forms of child labor, and human trafficking in order to ensure that these crimes can be effectively prosecuted.

2021

Government Policies

Take steps to implement the policies related to child labor on an annual basis and publish information about these efforts.

2020 – 2021
 

Integrate child labor elimination and prevention strategies into the Coordination Agreement on Labor Migration between the Ministries of Labor of Costa Rica and Panama.

2015 – 2021

Social Programs

Enhance efforts to eliminate barriers and make education accessible for all children, including children from rural areas and indigenous and Afro-Panamanian communities, by expanding existing programs, including school transportation.

2014 – 2021
 

Ensure that students have access and equipment for remote education, when necessary.

2021
 

Establish programs and ensure sufficient funding to address the needs of human trafficking victims, including programs that provide services to child victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.

2018 – 2021
References
  1. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. February 11, 2019.
  2. República de Panamá-Contraloría General de la República- Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censo. Comentarios de la Encuesta de Trabajo Infantil (ETI) 2016. 2017.
    https://www.contraloria.gob.pa/INEC/archivos/P8031Comentarios.pdf
  3. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. March 1, 2018.
  4. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. March 1, 2019.
  5. U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2020 Panama. Washington, DC, June 25, 2020.
    https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-trafficking-in-persons-report/panama/
  6. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 3, 2022. For more information, please see "Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
    http://data.uis.unesco.org/.
  7. ILO. Analysis of Child Economic Activity and School Attendance Statistics from National Household or Child Labor Surveys. Original data from Encuesta de Trabajo Infantil (ETI), 2016. Analysis received March 2022. Please see "Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
  8. Pinilla, Ana Maria. Hasta 26 mil menores sufren explotación laboral en Panamá. La Estrella de Panama, February 7, 2017.
    https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/170207/26-mil-sufren-menores
  9. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. January 22, 2021.
  10. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. January 21, 2022 (B).
  11. Vásquez, José. Captan Ocho Menores Laborando en Fincas Agrícolas en Chiriquí Durante 2021. Crítica. May 4, 2021.
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  12. EducaFuturo. EducaFuturo Baseline Survey Report. Project Document Partners of the Americas, August 2014. Source on file.
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  14. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. January 23, 2017.
  15. Ministerio de Desarrollo Social. MIDES y organizaciones presentan resultados de proyecto sobre erradicación del trabajo infantil en Colón. January 3, 2017.
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  17. Periodico Digital Centroamericano y del Caribe. Panamá, a la Puerta del Surgimiento de Dos Formas de Trabajo Infantil ‘Invisible’. June 12, 2022.
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  18. Madrid, Mayra. Detectan Menor de Edad Laborando en el Vertedero de Puerto Armuelles en Barú. Panamá América. June 18, 2021.
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  19. Batista, Linda. Trabajo Infantil en Panamá Aumenta Tras Casi Ser Erradicado. Telemetro. June 11, 2021.
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  30. Government of Panama. Decreto Ejecutivo Número 19 Que aprueba la lista del trabajo infantil peligroso, en el marco de las peores formas del trabajo infantil, No. 25569. Enacted: June 12, 2006.
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  32. Government of Panama. Ley Orgánica de Educación. Enacted: September 24, 1946.
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  33. Government of Panama. Ley 34 por la cual se deroga, modifican, adicionan y subrogan artículos de la ley 47 de 1946. Enacted: July 6, 1995.
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  34. Government of Panama. Decreto DM57-2010- POR LA CUAL SE CREA DENTRO DE LA ESTRUCTURA ORGÁNICA DEL MINISTERIO DE TRABAJO Y DESARROLLO LABORAL LA DIRECCIÓN NACIONAL CONTRA EL TRABAJO INFANTIL Y PROTECCIÓN DE LA PERSONA ADOLESCENTE TRABAJADORA, No. DM57-2010. Enacted: February 23, 2010.
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  35. Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral. Dirección nacional contra el trabajo infantil y protección de la persona adolescente trabajadora, Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral. Accessed February 9, 2016. Source on file.
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  37. Panama National Police. Childhood and Adolescence Police Celebrate Their 23rd Anniversary June 12, 2017.
    http://www.policia.gob.pa/15218-polica-de-niez-y-adolescencia-celebra-su-xxiii-aniversario.html
  38. Panama National Police. National Police are Part of the Campaign Against Child Labor. May 27, 2016.
    http://www.policia.gob.pa/13167-la-polica-nacional-es-parte-la-campaa-contra-el-trabajo-infantil.html
  39. U.S. Embassy- Panama City official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 30, 2021.
  40. Government of Panama. Explican Sistema de Monitoreo de Trabajo Infantil a Funcionarios de Provincias Centrales, Bocas del Toro y Chiriquí. CETIPPAT. October 5, 2021.
    https://cetippat.gob.pa/explican-sistema-de-monitoreo-de-trabajo-infantil-a-funcionarios-de-provincias-centrales-bocas-del-toro-y-chiriqui/
  41. U.S. Embassy- Panama City official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 14, 2018.
  42. ILO Labor Force Statistics (LFS) – Population and labour force. Accessed (January 25, 2022). Labor force data is government-reported data collected by the ILO. Please see "Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
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  43. UN. World Economic Situation and Prospects 2021 Statistical Annex. New York, 2021. Please see “Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
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  44. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. January 28, 2022.
  45. Government of Panama. Senniaf Anuncia la Plataforma Digital para Denuncias de Maltrato Infantil. SENNIAF. January 6, 2021.
    https://senniaf.gob.pa/?p=17541&csrt=5276190741605678578
  46. Government of Panama. Plan Nacional De Erradicación Del Trabajo Infantil Y Protección De Las Personas Adolescentes Trabajadoras 2007–2011. Panama City, Comité para la Erradicación de trabajo Infantil y la Protección del Trabajador Adolescente (CETIPPAT), June 2006.
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  47. Government of Panama. Senniaf y Mitradel Realizarán Encuesta de Trabajo Infantil 2021. SENNIAF. January 19, 2021.
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  48. Defensoría del Pueblo. Defensoría Promueve Derechos de los Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes en Inspección para Erradicar Trabajo Infantil. October 4, 2021.
    https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/defensoria-promueve-derechos-de-los-ninos-ninas-y-adolescentes-en-inspeccion-para-erradicar-trabajo-infantil/
  49. Radio Panamá. Defensoría del Pueblo Evalúa la Erradicación del Trabajo Infantil en el País. June 15, 2021.
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  50. Government of Panama. Sensibilizan Sobre Trabajo Infantil en Herrera. CETIPPAT. September 29, 2021.
    https://cetippat.gob.pa/sensibilizan-sobre-trabajo-infantil-en-herrera/
  51. Government of Panama. Sensibilizan a Familias “Ocueñas” Sobre Prevención del Trabajo Infantil. CETIPPAT. June 15, 2021.
    https://cetippat.gob.pa/sensibilizan-a-familias-ocuenas-sobre-prevencion-del-trabajo-infantil/
  52. Government of Panama. Gobierno y Empresa Privada Firman Acuerdo para Erradicar el Trabajo Infantil. MITRADEL. December 28, 2021.
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  53. Madrid, Mayra. Ifarhu y el Mitradel Otorgan Becas contra el Trabajo Infantil Otorgan a 140 Estudiantes de Bocas del Toro. Panamá América. February 2, 2021.
    https://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/provincias/ifarhu-mitradel-otorgan-becas-contra-trabajo-infantil-otorgan-140-estudiantes-bocas-del
  54. Crítica. Estudiantes de Herrera Reciben Becas para Erradicar el Trabajo Infantil. April 16, 2021.
    https://www.critica.com.pa/nacional/estudiantes-de-herrera-reciben-becas-para-erradicar-el-trabajo-infantil-602360
  55. Gonzalez, Nimay. Presentan Estrategia Nacional para la Prevencion de la Violencia contra los Ninos, Ninas, y Adolescentes. Telemetro July 24, 2018.
    http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Presentan-Estrategia-Prevencion-Violencia-Adolescentes_0_1156984653.html
  56. UNICEF. Estrategia Nacional Multisectorial de Prevencion de la Violencia Contra Ninos, Ninas, Y Adolescentes 2018–2022 y Plan de Accion 2018–2019. 2018.
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  63. Sánchez, Diomedes. El Mides Realizará el Segundo Pago de Ayuda Condicionada en Colón a Partir del Lunes. Panamá America. May 23, 2021.
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  64. En Segundos. Mujeres Rurales Ngäbe Reciben 7 Mil Libras de Ñame y Ñampí. July 9, 2021.
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  65. Government of Panama. Senniaf Darién Activa Plan Colmena. SENNIAF. January 29, 2021.
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  66. Government of Panama. Senniaf Chiriquí Continúa con Implementación del Plan Colmena. SENNIAF. February 10, 2021.
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  68. Government of Panama. Regional de Chiriquí Continúa Capacitación sobre Crianza Positiva como Parte del Plan Colmena. SENNIAF. January 19, 2021.
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  69. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. Reporting. February 14, 2020.
  70. Partners of the Americas. EducaFuturo: Project to Combat Child Labor among Vulnerable Populations in Ecuador and Panama by Providing Direct Education and Livelihood Services. October 2017: Technical Progress Report. Source on file.
  71. Rodriguez, Olmedo. Crece el Número de Menores Abusados en Panama. La Prensa, March 31, 2018.
    https://impresa.prensa.com/panorama/Crece-numero-menores-abusados_0_4996750354.html
  72. Rodriguez, Olmedo. Abuso Sexual a Menores, en Aumento. La Prensa, November 4, 2018.
    https://impresa.prensa.com/panorama/Abuso-sexual-menores-aumento_0_5160233979.html
  73. U.S. Embassy- Panama City. E-mail communication to USDOL official. July 8, 2022.
  74. U.S. Embassy- Panama City official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. July 14, 2022.
  75. Government of Panama. Comité para la Erradicación del Trabajo Infantil y Protección a la Persona Adolescente Trabajadora Reitera su Compromiso a Favor de los Niños Niñas y Adolescentes Vulnerables. Ministry of Labor and Labor Development, November 24, 2021.
    https://www.mitradel.gob.pa/comite-para-la-erradicacion-del-trabajo-infantil-y-proteccion-a-la-persona-adolescente-trabajadora-reitera-su-compromiso-a-favor-de-los-ninos-ninas-y-adolescentes-vulnerables/
ecoi.net-Beschreibung:
Jahresbericht zu Kinderarbeit (Beobachtungszeitraum 2021)
Land:
Panama
Quelle:
USDOL – US Department of Labor (Autor)
Originallink:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/panama
Dokumentart:
Periodischer Bericht
Sprache:
Englisch
Veröffentlicht:
28. September 2022
Dokument-ID:
2082793

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