Walking with migrants: one year of impact by the Franciscan Network for Migrants (RFM) in Panama

In the midst of one of the most complex migration crises in the region, the Franciscan Network for Migrants (RFM) in Panama continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of people in human mobility. On the verge of completing three years of service, 2025 has been a year of consolidation, growth, and deep commitment to human dignity, especially for those who are most vulnerable: sick or injured migrants, returnees, asylum seekers, and families who cannot return to their countries of origin due to political, economic, or social crises.

Since 2023, the RFM has strengthened its operational capacity and presence at strategic points throughout the country, providing comprehensive humanitarian assistance and human rights-based support. In 2025, with the backing from the Quixote Center, this work focused on four main areas:

1. The meal program in the border town of Paso Canoas;
2. Comprehensive care at the Hogar Medalla Milagrosa shelter;
3. The implementation of advocacy actions through Red Clamor Panamá;
4. The execution of projects to provide support in emergency situations and expand services. 

PASO CANOAS MEAL PROGRAM - UNIENDO FRONTERAS NETWORK

The Red Uniendo Fronteras, made up of church organizations in Costa Rica and Panama, continued to coordinate resources to assist the population that, in the face of restrictive migration policies, made the decision to return to their countries of origin. They delivered a total of 3,190 meals, in addition to support for transportation, clothing, and medicine. More than just food, this space offers dignity and companionship in a time of uncertainty.

MEDALLA MILAGROSA SHELTER FOR MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

During 2025, the Medalla Milagrosa shelter saw a notable increase in the number of people it took in. Migrants from thirteen different countries, mostly from Venezuela (50%), Colombia (23%), and Ecuador (10%), found a safe place here. The shelter has become an increasingly well-known place where daily work translates not only into food and protection but also into support, compassion, listening, and guidance.

RED CLAMOR - PANAMA

The Clamor Panama Network, a coalition of church organizations that combine their efforts and charisms, continued its advocacy and awareness-raising work. In 2025, they promoted actions to raise awareness of the migration crisis at the local and global levels, promoting safe and legal migration routes.

Activities such as fairs against human trafficking and World Day of Migrants and Refugees strengthened social awareness and community commitment.

PROJECTS THAT EXPAND THE IMPACT

With Quixote Center’s support, RFM-Panama implemented three key projects that strengthen their comprehensive response, including training processes for volunteers in the protection of human rights and the promotion of nonviolent interventions.

• The Peace and Good Border Emergency Project has responded to the situation of migrants and asylum seekers stranded on the western border between Panama and Costa Rica, specifically in Paso Canoas. Its main objective is to provide humanitarian aid in the form of food and basic hygiene, ensuring minimum conditions of dignity while they wait.
• The Migrate with Health Project strengthens comprehensive care at the Medalla Milagrosa shelter by equipping its infirmary with medical supplies and adequate furniture, thus guaranteeing basic health care for migrants and asylum seekers crossing the western Panamanian border.
• The Fraternal Alliance: Migrate with Dignity Project is carried out at the Medalla Milagrosa shelter and guarantees connectivity through 24-hour internet access for guests and external migrants, access to health and funeral services, the remodeling of spaces, and the creation of a recreation room for children and adolescents.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we can continue to accompany, protect, and dignify the lives of those who, for various reasons, have had to migrate.