On the afternoon of this Tuesday, July 27, the Commission for Women, Youth and the Family of the National Assembly of Panama approved in the first debate the bill No. 569, which deals with the comprehensive protection regime for the Girls, Boys and Adolescents.

In its first article, it is explained that this law aims at the comprehensive protection of the rights of children and adolescents, as well as reordering the competent institutions to guarantee the full, effective and permanent exercise and enjoyment of those rights recognized in the national legal system and international treaties and conventions ratified by the Republic of Panama.

It is also stated that the "norms of this Law are of public order and social interest, they will be applied in preference to other laws and may not be altered or varied by the will of individuals, under pain of nullity except in cases where it is allow."

The Law will protect all children and adolescents who are in the territory of the Republic of Panama, regardless of their country of origin or provenance, and all nationals who are abroad.

The regulations will protect children from the worst forms of child labor, respect for the human rights of minors will be sought, the principle of non-discrimination and the principle of the best interests of children and adolescents will be applied.

The law adds articles through which it seeks to enforce the "Principle of effectiveness", the "Principle of equality of sons and daughters"; of the "Family Unit", the general guarantees and the special priority guarantee; child abuse, prenatal food persion, judicial protection, right to education, comprehensive medical care, recreational and cultural activities and the judicial law of refugees, among other issues.

This bill contemplates 572 articles to be debated in the second and third debate in the plenary session of the Assembly.