Law 458 of 2024: Key Step Against Human Trafficking

Panama reaffirms its commitment with human rights through the modernization of its legislation against human trafficking. In this respect, Law 79 of 2011 established the foundation for a comprehensive policy on prevention, criminal prosecution, and victim protection. In support of said rights, Law 458 of 2024 is enacted, by which the country strengthens this framework by incorporating new international obligations and more effective technical tools to combat this serious human rights violation.

Key advances of law 458 include:

• The expansion of the definition of trafficking to include contemporary forms such as digital exploitation.
• The principle of non-punishment of victims for acts committed as a direct result of their trafficking situation is reinforced, recognizing them as protected persons under international criminal law.
• Immediate assistance measures are established, including urgent access to safe shelter, medical, psychological, and legal care.
• Strengthens the Specialized Unit of the Public Prosecutor’s Office on Human Trafficking, granting it greater operational powers and resources to investigate and prosecute cases.
• For the first time, corporate criminal liability is introduced for legal entities that benefit directly or indirectly from trafficking, along with the possibility of applying precautionary asset measures.
• The National Committee Against Human Trafficking is institutionalized as the governing body of public policy in this area, enhancing its capacity for inter-institutional and international coordination.

These reforms recognize Panama as an active player in the regional and global struggle against the  trafficking in persons. To this effect, the current legal framework integrates international standards and a victim-centered approach, consolidating a more humane, efficient, and committed system to eradicate this pernicions crime.