Panama whitewashes human rights report to UN Council

The recent crisis in Bocas del Toro, Panama  left at least two people dead and hundreds of others injured including blindness , but a report submitted by the government to the United Nation's Council of Human Rights ignores the event,  as well as complaints about crackdowns on the freedom of expression.

It was submitted says La Prensa on Sept. 29, more than two months after the riots against Law 30.

The committee that prepared the report, was chaired by Vice President Juan Carlos Varela.  It included two public comment sections collected in May.

The report highlighted government activities designed to help poorer citizens, such as the "100 for 70" program and programs that buy school supplies for children.
"Panama maintains a high commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights," said the report, which will be presented Nov. 2 in Switzerland before 47 other countries.
The report is submitted to the U.N. every four years. The U.N. will also consider reports submitted by non-government agencies and civic groups.

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