La Via Campesina stands in solidarity with the Unión Indígena Campesina (UIC) and the Unión Campesina Panameña (UCP), who are currently mobilizing together with other popular sectors of Panama in defense of national sovereignty. Together, the movements are agitating against the violation of human rights; the disrespect for the Political Constitution of the Republic; and against the controversial Law 462, which introduces significant reforms to Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS). The movements have declared that the reforms will condemn workers to never retire and have starvation pensions of $300 or less. They are also protesting the involvement of financial intermediaries, which will privatize the CSS and result in lower pensions for workers.
La Via Campesina also joins the protestors who are fighting the reopening of the Cobre Panamá mine. In November 2023, Panama’s Supreme Court declared the 20-year mining concession granted to the company unconstitutional, citing violations of 25 articles of the Panamanian Constitution, including the right to a pollution-free environment and the protection of Indigenous Peoplesand rural communities.
We also stand with the protestors in their fight against the damming of the Indio River. This project would involve constructing a dam and reservoir, displacing thousands of residents and raising concerns among environmentalists and local communities about its ecological and social impacts.
La Via Campesina also joins the demand for the annulment of the Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the Minister of Security Fran Abrego and the Secretary of Defense of the United States, Pete Hegseth, violating the Neutrality of the Panama Canal.
La Via Campesina also echoes the protestors’ concerns about the closure of bank accounts belonging to the Single National Union of Construction and Similar Workers (SUNTRACS). These actions have been condemned by various organizations for violating fundamental human rights and labor rights such as freedom of association and collective bargaining. The account closures are intended to criminalize the union’s leaders and favor the business sector.
Instead of heeding to popular demands, the Panamanian State has launched a series of repressive acts against the popular sectors in recent days. These acts have included violence against adolescents, children. It has led to more than 500 arrests, including of union leaders, community leaders, women, and youth. There is bloody repression, injuries, prosecution, and persecution of anyone who contradicts the government’s measures. It is important to note that this violence has been even stronger in the countryside against peasant and Indigenous communities in the Ngäbe Buglé region and the rest of the provinces of the Republic of Panama.
As La Via Campesina, we denounce these acts of brutal violence and repression against the popular sectors, demanding an end to the persecution and repression of the leaders of social, trade union, Indigenous, and peasant organizations. We hold the dictatorial government of Panama, in alliance with the financial and business oligarchy that controls the local media, responsible for promoting misinformation and criminalizing the struggle. We call for solidarity with this difficult situation that the Panamanian comrades are facing.
No struggle, no victory! Long live the sovereignty of the people of Panama!