By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s capacity to process asylum applications from Nicaraguan refugees has been significantly hampered by a drastic 41% reduction in funding from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This alarming development was announced Friday from the UNHCR’s global headquarters in Geneva, casting a shadow over the future of thousands of Nicaraguans seeking refuge in Costa Rica.
The UNHCR’s funding shortfall is a direct consequence of reduced contributions from the United States, impacting numerous humanitarian organizations worldwide. This financial blow comes at a critical time, as Nicaragua continues to grapple with a deep political and social crisis that has driven hundreds of thousands of its citizens to seek refuge abroad, with approximately 200,000 finding sanctuary in Costa Rica.
To gain a deeper understanding of the current state of asylum in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading immigration lawyer from Bufete de Costa Rica. Lic. Arroyo Vargas offers his expert perspective on the challenges and complexities facing asylum seekers.
Costa Rica has historically been a welcoming nation for those seeking refuge. However, the increasing number of asylum applications has strained resources and led to longer processing times. This poses significant challenges for asylum seekers who often face precarious living situations while awaiting a decision. Furthermore, recent changes in immigration policy have added complexity to the legal landscape, making it crucial for individuals seeking asylum to obtain expert legal counsel to navigate the system effectively.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
Costa Rica has consistently maintained an open-door policy for Nicaraguan refugees, absorbing over half of those who have fled the country in recent years. Despite the Nicaraguan crisis erupting in 2018, the influx of asylum seekers into Costa Rica remains substantial, with between 3,000 and 7,000 new applications filed each month.
In recent years, humanitarian aid, including financial assistance for integration, has allowed thousands of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica to access legal services for asylum procedures, as well as education, job training, and mental health services, particularly for children and people in remote areas.
Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, UNHCR High Commissioner for Protection
These vital support systems are now at serious risk due to the funding cuts, leaving thousands of vulnerable refugees in precarious circumstances. The UNHCR urgently requires $40 million to maintain these essential services and ensure the continued well-being of Nicaraguan asylum seekers in Costa Rica.
Despite the challenges, the UNHCR representative commended the solidarity shown by the Costa Rican government and its people. Recent discussions with Costa Rican authorities yielded no indication of a shift in the country’s welcoming stance towards Nicaraguan refugees.
Addressing concerns about potential border closures or deportations, the UNHCR representative confirmed receiving assurances from Costa Rican officials that the country will continue to uphold its international legal obligations regarding refugees. However, funding remains a crucial factor in ensuring the sustainability of Costa Rica’s asylum system.
The UNHCR’s funding crisis underscores the precarious situation faced by Nicaraguan refugees and the urgent need for international support to ensure their safety and well-being. The future of Costa Rica’s open-door policy hinges on securing the necessary resources to maintain its vital asylum system.
For further information, visit unhcr.org
About UNHCR:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a UN agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. It is a global leader in its field, working in over 130 countries.
For further information, visit efe.com
About EFE:
EFE is a multinational Spanish news agency, one of the largest in the world. It provides news coverage in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Arabic, and other languages, serving media outlets globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to serving the community. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with its dedication to disseminating legal knowledge through educational initiatives, empowers individuals and organizations alike. By fostering a culture of transparency and accessibility, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more just and informed society, one legal insight at a time.
