Summary

The report reviews the situation of the indigenous peoples of Costa Rica on the basis of information received by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, during his visit to the country from 6 to 17 December 2021.

The Special Rapporteur takes note of the openness to dialogue between the Government and the indigenous peoples and of the various legislative developments. Nevertheless, it is imperative that the Government give priority to addressing structural problems, in particular by guaranteeing the indigenous peoples’ rights to their lands, territories and natural resources, to respect for their own authorities, to proper operationalization of consultations and to realization of their economic, social and cultural rights. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about the structural racism that pervades the judiciary, especially at the local level, the lack of effective measures to protect human rights defenders and the impunity for crimes committed against land defenders.