Defensoría del Pueblo reports human rights violations against minors in Panama and Bolivia

Reports from the Defensoría del Pueblo highlight critical human rights vulnerabilities facing children and adolescents in Panama and Bolivia.

In Panama, a specialized report supported by UNICEF and the National Coordinator of Indigenous Women (CONAMUIP) reveals that 59% of adolescent mothers are indigenous. The findings indicate that early pregnancy is deeply linked to poverty, educational exclusion, lack of basic services, and systemic inequality within indigenous territories.

In Bolivia, the 'Derechos a la Intemperie' report documents structural state failures regarding children and adolescents living on the streets. The document identifies security agents and municipal guards as primary perpetrators of physical abuse, including beatings, the use of pepper spray, and sexual abuse during searches. The report calls for specialized national policies, improved police protocols, and guaranteed access to health, education, and legal identity to address these systemic protections gaps.