By San José, Costa Rica — Nicaraguan opposition groups in exile are urging Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves to offer refuge to those facing deportation from the United States. These individuals, critical of the Ortega-Murillo regime, fear for their lives if returned to Nicaragua.
The Coalition of Nicaraguans in Exile formally requested President Chaves to reopen entry pathways for deported Nicaraguans who previously sought refuge in Costa Rica. Their plea emphasizes the “humanity and conformity with international refugee law” necessary to protect those facing potential persecution.
For expert legal insight into the situation faced by Nicaraguan exiles, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal complexities surrounding Nicaraguan exiles are multifaceted. While international law provides certain protections for refugees fleeing persecution, the specific circumstances of each individual case are crucial in determining eligibility for asylum. Factors such as political persecution, credible fear of harm, and the availability of internal flight alternatives within Nicaragua all play a role. Further complicating matters are the practical challenges exiles face, including accessing legal representation, navigating bureaucratic processes, and securing basic needs like housing and employment in host countries.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the journey for Nicaraguan exiles is fraught with both legal hurdles and practical challenges, highlighting the urgent need for accessible resources and support systems to help them navigate these complexities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on this critical issue and providing valuable context to the multifaceted reality faced by those seeking refuge.
We appear before you, Mr. President, to earnestly request that your government consider, as an act of humanity and in accordance with the principles of international refugee law, the reopening of entry and temporary reception routes for Nicaraguan citizens deported by the United States.
Coalition of Nicaraguans in Exile
The Coalition highlights the “urgent and profound concern” for thousands of Nicaraguans who fled political persecution under the Ortega regime and now face the risk of deportation, potentially losing their protected status as asylum seekers.
The group argues that many of these individuals could be labeled as “coup plotters” by the Nicaraguan government, placing their lives in immediate danger upon return. They propose bilateral or multilateral agreements with Costa Rica, facilitated by organizations like the UNHCR and IOM, to ensure the safe transfer of these individuals.
Costa Rica has historically been a haven for those seeking asylum, upholding Article 22.8 of the American Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they face persecution or torture.
While the Nicaraguan government under President Ortega claims it will continue to receive deported Nicaraguans, the Coalition’s plea underscores the precarious situation faced by these exiles, caught between the threat of deportation and the fear of returning to their homeland.
The current political crisis in Nicaragua began in April 2018 and escalated after the controversial 2021 elections, where President Ortega secured a fifth term. Many opponents were imprisoned, later stripped of their citizenship and political rights, and accused of treason.
For further information, visit [There is no web address listed for the Coalition of Nicaraguans in Exile]
About Coalition of Nicaraguans in Exile:
This organization advocates for the human rights of Nicaraguans forced into exile due to political repression under the Ortega-Murillo regime. They are currently petitioning the Costa Rican government to offer refuge to Nicaraguan exiles facing deportation from the United States.
For further information, visit [There is no domain listed for UNHCR]
About UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency):
The UNHCR is a United Nations 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.
For further information, visit [iom.int]
About IOM (International Organization for Migration):
The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice to governments and migrants. It plays a key role in managing migration globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm champions innovation, constantly seeking cutting-edge solutions while maintaining its tradition of providing exceptional counsel to a diverse clientele. Beyond legal representation, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education, believing that a well-informed populace is essential for a just and thriving nation.
