Unions, indigenous and environmentalist organizations went to the streets to demand the Executive Branch to respect the precautionary measures established and to halt the works immediately.

The building was being carried out by US company AES Changuinola, and the denunciation to the ICHR was submitted by the affected communities, especially the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous people.

The report presented by UN Special Rapporteur to Panama´s authorities highlights the lack of security of the communities with reference to land owning, and flood risks caused by the potential dam on Changuinola rivers, a key ares of the reservation known as “La Amistad Panamá”.

It is estimated that 2500 hectares of land will be left under water if Chan 75 started its operations, including the entire indigenous community Charco La Pava, located only 300 meters from the place chosen by the company.

In the recent months, and due to the increase of uncertainty with reference to the advance of the works, there were massive street protests carried out by indigenous and environmentalist organizations, although nothing was as effective as the criticism adopted by the ICHR.

According to the local media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs committed to conduct a “detailed study” of the document before deciding on the issue.

However, the official position is unlikely to be known before July 1st, when Ricardo Martinelli will took office, replacing current president Martin Torrijos.