Overview: This week we will turn our attention to the day-to-day operations of international actors in a human rights crisis. After six weeks, we are now ready to look at an actual case and analyze the role of various organizations responding to it.

Assignment Details:

We will use the conflict in Panama over the building of Hydroelectric dams on Ngabe Bugle lands, since it is recent, widely reported, and involved a complex interaction of major actors. . To familiarize yourself with the background and humanitarian needs created by this disaster, I recommend you follow the following steps:

1. Access Web Resources within Course Materials
2. Conduct a World Wide Web Search of the case
3. You may also check out the hundreds of Internet sites that deal with indigenous rights.

Your assignment will be to assume a role as a representative of the Panamanian Government, United Nations Official or transnational NGO, a leader of the ngabe bugle, OAS official, a United States Representative and offer a position paper (4-5 pages) on the following points:

1. The historical facts of the crisis
2. The gap between the positions held by the major parties.
3. The impact of continued conflict or resolution
4. A recommendation