Russia and Ukraine are Demanded by Panama to Ensure the Safe Return of Panamanian Citizens Recruited in their Conflict.

The Government of Panama made a formal request to the international community for the authorities of Russia and Ukraine to facilitate the return to the country of those Panamanian citizens who were recruited and are currently participating in the European armed conflict.

A Humanitarian Request.

The demand was officially presented by Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha during a high-level briefing of the United Nations Security Council, focused on maintaining peace and security in Ukraine.  “Every foreigner recruited to fight represents one more life exposed to a war that continues to internationalize,” the Panamanian foreign minister warned members of the multilateral organization. 

During his remarks, the Panamanian foreign minister expressed the country’s deep concern about the use of fighters from third countries, especially from Latin America and other developing regions. Martínez-Acha noted that this phenomenon alarmingly increases the human cost of conflict and demands an urgent response from the global community. 

The foreign minister made a direct appeal to both nations in dispute to prioritize the well-being of their citizens who wish to leave the combat zones.  “Panama respectfully requests that, through the mechanisms permitted by their respective legislations and competent authorities, they facilitate the return to Panama of those Panamanian citizens who, under any mechanism, have decided to join or participate in this conflict and who wish to return to their homeland.”

Commitment to Peace and International Law.

With this intervention, Panama reaffirms its stance in favor of respecting human rights and protecting its citizens abroad, demanding diplomatic and legal channels that allow for a prompt resolution of this humanitarian situation resulting from the escalation of war.