Submitted by Abisola Omotayo on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Panama has ratified the CRC and incorporated it into national law, making it directly enforceable in the courts. However, its scope is limited by the fact that children cannot generally initiate court proceedings on their own behalf. Proceedings are usually initiated by a parent, lawyer or guardian ad litem, who must act in the best interests of the child. Nevertheless, the courts have access to a broad range of remedies, with free legal assistance for children provided as of right, to all those who lack the financial means. Additionally, judicial review proceedings may be brought by non-governmental organisations on behalf of children, and special provisions exist to respect the privacy of minors in criminal law proceedings.
