Mainstreaming the PGI approach and the Dignity, Access, Participation and Security framework in Darién, Panama

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Volunteers from the Red Cross Society of Panama talk with migrants in Darién
In the context of the sustained increase of migratory flows in the Darién region, the Red Cross Society of Panama, thanks to the Programmatic Partnership, has implemented a comprehensive intervention model aligned with the principles of Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI) and the Dignity, Access, Participation and Security (DAPS) framework. This experience not only stands out for its achievements, but also for the lessons learned that allow replicating and adapting these actions in other migration and emergency contexts.

The Darién region, characterized by its extreme conditions and constant flow of people in transit, presented significant challenges for the implementation of the PGI approach. From the daily arrival of up to 5,000 people, to limited resources and insufficient infrastructure, the structural challenges demanded evidence-based solutions tailored to the needs of migrants and host communities.

These difficulties represented an opportunity to strengthen response capacities, sensitize host communities and prioritize dignified and safe care for migrants, especially those exposed to situations of greater vulnerability, such as unaccompanied children, people with disabilities or survivors of violence, among others.

The ECHO-IFRC Programmatic Partnership played a crucial role in providing the necessary resources to improve infrastructure, strengthen the technical capacities of the response teams and ensure effective coordination among the organizations present in the field. Through continuous training, the understanding and application of PGI standards was improved, ensuring that each intervention prioritizes the dignity and safety of affected people.