Strengthening protection and social cohesion in the Darien

General objective:

The main objective of the action will be to enhance protection, social cohesion and resilience for local communities and displacement-affected individuals along the mixed migration route. 

The action is designed to incorporate robust local capacity-strengthening elements, fostering self-reliance and enhancing the capabilities of community-based networks in close cooperation with government authorities.

Specific objectives and foreseen activities:

• To enhance social cohesion and resilience within local communities:
  • supporting community led initiatives, addressing the needs of Panamanian communities and supporting Panamanian institutions at the border
  • raising awareness and building capacities for collaborative dispute resolution
  • improving community infrastructure
• To mitigate protection risks in local communities across the border between Colombia and Panama:
  • providing counselling, legal assistance, specialized protection services and safe referrals, particularly for survivors of GBV.
  • improving access to information, tools and knowledge to address protection risks for Local communities, displacement-affected individuals, and public servants and key stakeholders.
  • supporting border protection and monitoring along with the relevant authorities, particularly from the Ombudsperson Office

Due to the changing environment, we have introduced significant flexibility mechanisms. Regular meetings and reports are foreseen to address potential risks and ensure wide coordination and access to information.

Location: The project’s location will be primarily in Panama, with a smaller component allocated to the Colombian side of the Darien. Respecting security, coordination and legal constraints, the aim is to bring the implementation as close as possible to the border communities. In particular in Panama, in Canaan Membrillo and Bajo Chiquito, working also with indigenous communities, including the Emberá Wounaan. On the Colombian side, the action will mostly focus on Acandí. 

Beneficiaries:

• The beneficiaries are not only affected vulnerable local communities as well as displacement-affected individuals but also government institutions and local authorities enhancing their capacity to deliver services. Our partners combine international and local expertise with long standing partnerships and positive previous experiences in community engagement.
• Cooperation with the Ombudsman encompasses a wide range of coordinated efforts, ranging from joint training, capacity building, technical support, or mutual exchange, to joint monitoring efforts particularly in migration reception centers such as Lajas Blancas, San Vicente, and Los Planes de Gualaca where mixed migration flows converge.

Total cost of the intervention: 2.000.000 EUR

Amount contributed by the EU: 2.000.000 EUR

Financial instrument: Foreign Policy Instruments Service (FPI)

Duration: June 2025 - December 2026 (18 months)

Implemented by: NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council