Statement by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris at the end of official visit to Costa Rica

SAN JOSE / NEW YORK (12 December 2022) Following my four-day visit to Costa Rica I wish to thank the Government for the invitation and for its continued, strong voice on human rights.

From 5 to 8 December, I had constructive exchanges with a wide range of stakeholders, including high-level authorities. I met the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Presidents of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Human Rights Commission of the Legislative Assembly, as well as representatives of the Inter American-Court of Human Rights. I was happy to participate in the first UN country team dialogue on the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights. It was inspiring to see how, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, the entire UN system in Costa Rica is working together to address human rights challenges.

Indigenous land defenders from Maleku, Cabagra, China Kicha, Térraba and Salitre told me about their longstanding grievances, as well as the threats and attacks that they are facing. They mentioned the killings of Sergio Rojas and Jerhy Rivera in 2019 and 2020 and expectations on justice being delivered. Violence against indigenous peoples, including in its early signs, needs to be urgently addressed and, most of all, must be prevented.

I was concerned to learn that, despite legal recognition, a large portion of indigenous peoples' ancestral lands are currently occupied by non-indigenous people. I urge the Government to accelerate efforts towards full land restitution, in accordance with the recent decision of the Constitutional Court. Access to justice for indigenous peoples is essential and our Office stands ready to continue supporting ongoing efforts to this end in close partnership with the Supreme Court of Justice and indigenous authorities.

I also had the chance to meet Venezuelan and Colombian migrants in transit, mostly young women and their children, as well as Nicaraguan exiles, refugees and asylum seekers. The regional context in the Americas, and the resulting increased movement of migrants and high numbers of asylum seekers, are adding pressure on Costa Rica’s capacity to respond adequately.  Regionally and globally, international cooperation and solidarity must be at the forefront of all efforts to ensure humanitarian assistance, the protection of human rights of people on the move and to prevent situations of vulnerability.

I also engaged with representatives of civil society organizations, including Afro-descendants, women leaders, migrants, LGBTQI+ people and persons with disabilities. We discussed, among other topics, the importance of judicial independence and respect for the rule of law. The issue of intersectional discrimination was also repeatedly raised as a high barrier to accessing many fundamental rights. The Government needs to do more to ensure inclusive and meaningful participation of civil society to bring about sustainable change.

Lastly, my visit to Costa Rica was also an opportunity to attend three events at the University of Peace (UPEACE), co-hosted by the UN Human Rights Office. They included the regional seminar on the Contribution of Development to the Enjoyment of all Human Rights and a meeting on racial discrimination and protection of minorities in UN peace and security efforts, including prevention. I was particularly pleased to  launch a new publication by our Office:  Protecting Minority Rights: A Practical Guide to Developing Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Legislation, an important tool of global relevance, especially around Human Rights Day celebrations this year.   

ENDS