Paper short abstract:

In this paper I will investigate the ways in which the international principles and mechanisms of indigenous rights are put in practice in two regions of Panama.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper I attempt to analyse the application of indigenous rights in Panama. I will investigate the ways in which the principles and mechanisms of the UN bodies are put in practice in this national context characterized by the successful autonomy of some indigenous people (the Kuna), but also by the imposition of development projects (dams, mines, resorts) in other indigenous territories (comarca Ngäbe-buglé). The comparison between the kuna and the ngäbe experience in Panama will allow us to explore the connections between the application of indigenous rights and the actively participation of indigenous leaders in national and international affairs. In other words, the central question of this paper is to elucidate the role of mediators in the application of indigenous rights and the functions that they accomplish between the global and the local context.