The 50th Session of the UPR Working Group, Review of the Republic Panama, Statement by Ms. ASANO Yuko (5 November 2025)

 

   Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

   Japan welcomes the delegation of Panama and appreciates its engagement with the human rights system. We note the establishment of the Ministry of Women and its efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. We also commend Panama’s response to complex mixed-migration flows through the Darién region, including cooperation with neighboring countries and United Nations agencies to provide assistance and protection.

   In a spirit of constructive dialogue, Japan recommends that Panama: 

   1. strengthen rights-based protection for migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers—particularly women and children—by preventing violence, ensuring access to services and justice, and upholding the principle of non-refoulement, in cooperation with the UN country team and other partners; and 

   2. enhance the effectiveness of the Ministry of Women, step up prevention and response to gender-based violence, and promote women’s participation in public and political life. 

   We wish Panama every success in its review.

   I thank you.