Panama Canal, Violence and Migration: Concerns of Panamanian Bishops in Assembly

The bishops of Panama expressed concern about “some positions” of the United States government that “call into respect for Panamanian sovereignty” on the Panama Canal, as well as for violence in the country and the “faces of migration pain”, at the end of its plenary assembly, held from June 30 to July 4.

“We observe, with concern, certain positions adopted by the US administration that call into question respect for Panamanian sovereignty,” says a statement published Friday in the website of the Panamanian episcopate.

The prelates also stressed that “the statements about an alleged ‘recovery’ of the Panama Canal, the decisions that involve our country in geopolitical tensions of others, the demand for free traffic for military ships and the evening intention of establishing military bases in national territory, constitute alarming signs.”

After pointing out that these actions “injure the dignity of the Panamanian people”, the bishops of Panama urged “our rulers to act with adherence to constitutional principles, in defense of the national interest and the common good of all Panamanians.”

For some months, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, has referred to the Panama Canal, which the US government controlled between 1914 and 1999. The president has criticized China’s commercial participation in the place, where 40% of containers in the United States passes, equivalent to about 270,000 million dollars.

In February, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, visited the Central American country to address the issue with the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, who had indicated on January 20 that ““The channel is and will continue to be from Panama and his administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to his permanent neutrality. ”

⁠Migration: “concrete faces of pain”

In his statement today, the bishops of Panama also stressed that “global instability has caused an unprecedented migratory flow. Panama, as a country of traffic forced in the continent, sees the concrete faces of human pain every day: whole families that flee from misery, violence or persecution, facing the jungle of the Darién”.

“Migration cannot continue to be addressed solely as a security or statistics issue, but from the perspective of human rights, fraternity and shared responsibility,” adds the text.

The jungle or the Darién cap, is a region of Colombia and Panama where many migrants from different countries of the world try to cross their way to the United States. The region, known for being an area of ​​dense vegetation, raises a series of dangers to those who try to cross it, with bands dedicated to people traffic.

Teacher strike, violence and a call to dialogue

When recognizing the great work that teachers in the country do, the bishops asked teachers to lift the strike started for more than two months – something that could happen on Monday, July 7 – and return to the classrooms. “The country needs its active and transformative presence in schools,” they said.

The bishops also referred to the violence that affects different communities of Panama, especially the native peoples, and regretted that “on a few occasions, disproportionate use of force by some security levels against the civilian population has been made, especially affecting the most vulnerable.”

The prelates also affirmed that “in the midst of the deep social crisis and confrontation that Panama is going through, the Catholic Church reaffirms its commitment to be a bridge for the encounter, dialogue, reconciliation and peace.”

“It is urgent to stop radicalism, disarm the speeches that divide and build consensus that lead us towards permanent solutions. Today, more than ever, Panama needs us all,” said the bishops of Panama.

To conclude, the Panamanian prelates invoked “the protection of Santa María la Antigua, patron of our people, to intercede for our nation. That their maternal presence inspires us to live with humility, act with justice and serve generously.”