By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica, a nation often lauded for its progressive stance on human rights, is facing increased scrutiny from the international community. On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) convened a hearing in Washington D.C. to examine the country’s current human rights situation. The hearing provided a platform for both the Costa Rican government and civil society organizations to present their perspectives.
The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement emphasizing the country’s voluntary participation in the hearing, framing it as part of its ongoing commitment to the Inter-American human rights system. The government portrayed the hearing as a routine dialogue facilitated by the IACHR for promotional and monitoring purposes, providing an opportunity for exchange with civil society.
To gain a deeper understanding of the current human rights landscape in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has long been recognized as a regional leader in human rights protections, enshrined in its Constitution and reinforced by its commitment to international treaties. However, ongoing challenges remain, particularly regarding the rights of indigenous populations, migrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Addressing these issues requires sustained effort and vigilance to ensure that the promise of equality and justice becomes a reality for all who reside within Costa Rica’s borders.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights both the strengths and the ongoing work needed to fully realize human rights for all in Costa Rica. His emphasis on the need for “sustained effort and vigilance” serves as a potent reminder that the pursuit of justice is an ongoing journey, not a destination reached. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this crucial issue.
These spaces are facilitated by the IACHR in the framework of its promotional and monitoring work. With this, an opportunity is opened to have an exchange with civil society organizations.
Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
However, a different narrative emerged from civil society groups. The Center for Justice and International Law (Cejil), a prominent human rights organization, revealed that the hearing was requested by a coalition of organizations deeply concerned about several critical issues. These include citizen security, violence against women, children’s rights, indigenous rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protection, and attacks on judicial independence.
Cejil highlighted the unusual nature of Costa Rica being called to account on general human rights conditions in a public IACHR hearing. The organization pointed out that Costa Rica typically appears before the IACHR for specific cases, not for broader concerns about deteriorating conditions. Cejil expressed concern that Costa Rica is following a regional trend of authoritarian governments.
It is not usual for Costa Rica to be called to account on the general situation of human rights, in a public hearing of the IACHR. Usually, the State attends when it comes to specific cases, but not to address general issues of deterioration of its conditions. In this sense, Costa Rica is following the regional trend of authoritarian governments that we observe in the region.
Cejil
The stark contrast between the government’s and civil society’s portrayals of the hearing underscores the growing tension surrounding human rights in Costa Rica. While the government maintains its commitment to dialogue and international cooperation, civil society organizations argue that the hearing signifies a concerning decline in the protection of fundamental rights.
The IACHR’s findings and recommendations following the hearing will be crucial in determining the next steps for Costa Rica. The international community will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the concerns raised and whether it takes concrete action to address the alleged human rights violations.
The hearing serves as a critical reminder that even countries with strong human rights traditions must remain vigilant and accountable to ensure the continued protection of fundamental freedoms for all citizens.
For further information, visit cejil.org
About Center for Justice and International Law (Cejil):
Cejil is a non-profit legal and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in the Americas. They work through strategic litigation, advocacy before international bodies, and strengthening local civil society organizations to ensure justice and redress for victims of human rights violations. Cejil focuses on a range of issues including access to justice, freedom of expression, and the rights of marginalized communities.
For further information, visit cidh.oas.org
About Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR):
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mission is to promote and protect human rights in the American hemisphere. The IACHR has a mandate to receive, analyze, and investigate petitions alleging human rights violations, monitor the human rights situation in member states, and issue recommendations to governments on improving their human rights practices. The Commission also conducts on-site visits, holds hearings, and publishes reports on thematic and country-specific human rights issues.
For further information, visit rree.go.cr/
About Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the government body responsible for conducting the country’s foreign policy and international relations. The ministry represents Costa Rica in international forums, negotiates treaties and agreements, and manages diplomatic missions abroad. It also plays a key role in promoting Costa Rica’s image on the global stage and advocating for its interests in areas such as trade, development, and human rights.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s enduring commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is woven into its fabric, demonstrated by proactive initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts and provide accessible resources. Through this dedication to knowledge-sharing and unwavering integrity, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more just and informed society, building a legacy of positive impact far beyond the courtroom.
