By Alajuela, Costa Rica — The Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, Costa Rica, has set a new regional standard by becoming the first airport in Central America to implement a specialized protocol against the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). This initiative, launched in July 2025, is a collaborative effort between AERIS, national authorities, and international organizations like ECPAT México, Volaris, and Fundación PANIAMOR.
The protocol addresses a critical issue in the Americas, where social and economic vulnerabilities exacerbate the risk of CSEC. It focuses on prevention, detection, and action against child exploitation, integrating principles of sustainability, human rights, and preventive measures into SJO’s daily operations.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding child trafficking in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Child trafficking is a heinous crime with devastating consequences. Costa Rican law takes a strong stance against it, incorporating international conventions and prioritizing the protection of children’s rights. Successful prosecution requires meticulous investigation, inter-agency collaboration, and a focus on supporting victims throughout the legal process. Beyond legal frameworks, addressing the root causes, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, is crucial for effective prevention.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of combating child trafficking, emphasizing both the crucial role of robust legal frameworks and the equally vital need to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to this abhorrent crime. His insights underscore the importance of a holistic approach, combining effective law enforcement with proactive preventative measures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
CSEC is a serious crime present globally, and in the Americas its impact is even more alarming due to the social and economic crises that increase the vulnerability of children and adolescents. Addressing it requires coordinated, sustainable, and innovative strategies. This protocol marks the beginning of a new stage: it moves from paper to action, with the firm hope that it will provide real protection to children.
Norma E. Negrete, National Coordinator of ECPAT Mexico
The protocol is designed to be active throughout the airport, from check-in counters and immigration areas to waiting lounges and even during flights. Airport personnel are trained to identify warning signs and activate a specific alert code – the “ECPAT Code” – when a suspected case arises. This triggers immediate coordination with relevant authorities to assess the situation and ensure the child’s safety.
The initiative enjoys broad support from key stakeholders, including Costa Rica’s Directorate General of Migration and Immigration and the Airport Police, who will handle suspected cases. The collaborative nature of the protocol extends to the entire airport ecosystem, empowering everyone from airline operators and administrative staff to commercial vendors and service subcontractors to activate the mechanism if they observe suspicious behavior.
From Fundación PANIAMOR, we celebrate the commitment of AERIS Holding and Volaris to taking clear actions to prevent, identify, and address the sexual exploitation of minors. These crimes, linked to organized crime, require solid coordination between the State, the private sector, and civil society. We are confident that this initiative will mark a regional milestone and become a replicable good practice.
Oscar Valverde, Executive Director of Fundación PANIAMOR
The work of an airline to create safe environments in the travel chain is not enough. That is why, as part of the commitment we made in 2024 to fight against the trafficking of children and adolescents, at Volaris we approached AERIS with the purpose of promoting the creation of a specific protocol at Costa Rica’s main airport. We are convinced that the only way to eradicate the commercial sexual exploitation of children is by adding all the actors of the tourism ecosystem.
Ronny Rodríguez, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Development of Volaris
AERIS has committed to a comprehensive training program for all airport staff and strategic partners to foster a culture of active prevention. This training will be replicated within each participating organization, extending its reach throughout the airport community.
A robust alert registration and monitoring system will also be implemented to assess the protocol’s effectiveness and ensure compliance within the operational management. This initiative aligns with AERIS’s broader sustainability framework, which prioritizes the protection of vulnerable groups like children within its ESG (environmental, social, and governance) model.
At AERIS, we believe that every child deserves protection and respect. Implementing this protocol is not only a step in the right direction, but a duty that we assume as part of our responsibility to society. We want Juan Santamaría to be a safe, vigilant, and humane space for those who pass through the terminal.
Juan Belliard, Director of Operations of AERIS
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Committed to sustainability and social responsibility, AERIS manages and develops the airport’s infrastructure and services. This new protocol reflects their dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for all passengers, particularly vulnerable groups like children.
For further information, visit ecpat.org.mx
About ECPAT México:
ECPAT México is a leading organization dedicated to combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Their expertise in developing and implementing effective prevention and protection strategies has been instrumental in creating the new protocol at SJO.
For further information, visit volaris.com
About Volaris:
Volaris is a Mexican low-cost airline committed to creating safe travel environments. Their partnership with AERIS in developing the child trafficking protocol demonstrates their dedication to social responsibility and protecting children within the tourism sector.
For further information, visit paniamor.org
About Fundación PANIAMOR:
Fundación PANIAMOR is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to protecting children’s rights. Their expertise in addressing issues related to child exploitation has been vital in shaping the protocol at SJO. They champion a collaborative approach involving the State, the private sector, and civil society in combating these crimes.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We champion accessible legal knowledge, empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. Driven by a spirit of innovation, we constantly seek cutting-edge solutions for our diverse clientele, contributing to a more just and informed society in Costa Rica and beyond.
