Source: CIA World Factbook.

International and Regional Human Rights Agreements

* Category includes ratification, accession, or succession to the treaty

Constitutional Framework

The Constitution of Costa Rica was adopted in 1949, the year after the last civil war and the last time that government changed by non-democratic means. The Constitution has been amended multiple times.

The Constitution enshrines the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression, among others:

Article 25:
The inhabitants of the Republic have the right of association for lawful purposes. No one may be compelled to form a part of any association whatsoever.

Article 26:
(1) Everyone has the right to meet peacefully and unarmed, whether it is for private business or to discuss political affairs and examine the public conduct of officials.
(2) Meetings on private premises do not need prior authorization. Those held in public places are regulated by law.

Article 27:
The right to petition any public official or State entity, either individually or collectively and the right to obtain prompt resolution are guaranteed.

Article 28:
(1) No one may be disturbed or persecuted for the expression of his opinions or for any act which does not infringe the law.
(2) Private actions which do not harm the morals or public order, or which do not cause any damages to third parties are outside the scope of the law.
(3) However, clergymen or secular individuals cannot make political propaganda in any way invoking religious motives or making use of religious beliefs.

Article 29:
Every person may communicate his thoughts verbally or in writing and publish them without previous censorship; but he is liable for any abuses committed in the exercise of this right, in such cases and in the manner established by law.

Article 30:
(1) Free access to administrative departments for purposes of information on matters of public interest is guaranteed.
(2) State secrets are excluded from this provision.

National Laws and Regulations Affecting Sector

Laws affecting civil society include:

• Ley de Asociaciones (Law of Associations), amended in 2011
• Ley de Fundaciones (Law of Foundations), amended in 2011
• Ley 3859 – Sobre el Desarrollo de la Comunidad (Act for Community Development)
• Ley de Impuesto a la Renta (Income Tax Law), amended in 2001
• Ley Reguladora de Exoneraciones Vigentes, Derogatorias y Excepciones, Ley 7293 (Regulatory Law of Exonerations in Force, Repeal and Exceptions)
• Código Civil (amended in 2000) (Civil Code)
• Law No. 8204 on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, Unauthorized Drugs, Related Activities, Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism

Pending NGO Legislative / Regulatory Initiatives

1. On September 3, 2019, a large majority of the Congress of Costa Rica (40 out of 57) restricted strikes by approving in first reading the Bill to Regulate Strikes. The Bill, which unions consider “oppressive,” forbids strikes by employees involved in a number of public services. Employees will not receive salaries if they go on strike. There are other provisions that essentially prohibit unions from striking.

This Bill represents Costa Rica’s toughest stance against unions, and unions are consequently dissatisfied. The Bill is not yet law and was intended to be voted on in second debate on September 5, 2019. However, opponents of the Bill secured 12 votes (10 were needed) to have the Constitutional Court consult on the Bill. This delayed the second debate. Nevertheless, some unions have still called for new strikes to protest the Bill.

2. The draft Public Service Law (“Ley Empleo Público” or “Project 15.290”) provides for the comprehensive regulation of public services with the ultimate goal to cut government expenses and reduce employees’ benefits. A key issue of concern relates to what activities will be classified as “essential” because unions related to those activities will not be allowed to strike. Thus, if the Congress decides that health is an “essential” service, then health unions are barred from going on strike for any reason. The government has been pushing to define a wide scope of services as “essential”, which the unions oppose. This draft law is therefore a direct threat to unions because going on strike is the most powerful tool unions have to protest any government decision on the budget or other matters. Currently, the decision on whether a strike is lawful rests with the judiciary, which in 2018 declared most strikes to be Because health unions have 60,000 workers and other unions, such as education, have 90,000 workers, any law labeling these services as “essential” will reduce the impact of anation-wide strike; thus the draft Public Service Law is considered to be a “political move.”

In July 2019, the draft law remained with the Congress, with the Congress president strongly supporting it. However, public opposition emerged in the form of blockades, riots, and marches. In June 2021, the Congress approved the Public Service Law in its first debate. It included the clause “conscience objection,” which would allow a public servant to avoid trainings on LBGTI rights if he or she claims they are in conflict with his or her religious beliefs. The text is broad and may invite public servants to refuse  trainings on a variety of topics, potentially including human rights. LBGTI groups have especially criticized the proposal for opening the door to discrimination. The second congressional debate could occur some time in 2023.

Please help keep us informed; if you are aware of other pending initiatives, write to ICNL at ngomonitor@icnl.org.

Organizational Forms

Costa Rican law recognizes three main organizational forms for civil society:

• Associations are formed by at least 10 members to pursue activities of a scientific, artistic, sporting, charitable, or recreational nature, among others. These entities must operate without profit motives. The law explicitly includes societies, unions, and mutual aid, securities, and patronage associations under this category. Political associations are prohibited, as are organizations pursuing ends that are physically or legally impossible under Article 631 of the Civil Code. (Article 3, Law on Associations) For an association’s activities to be legal, it must be registered in the Registry of Associations, which is managed by the Ministry of Justice and is part of the National Registry. (Article 5)
• Foundations are defined as private, non-profit entities serving the public interest that are established through the allocation of assets to support educational, charitable, artistic, literary, or scientific activities. (Article 1, Law on Foundations)
• Community-based organizations are groups that organize “to carry out integral or specific development activities for the benefit of the country. These organizations may operate at the district, cantonal, regional, provincial, or national levels and are governed by the Act for Community Development (Ley 3859 – Sobre el Desarrollo de la Comunidad).

According to a 2010 report by Estado de la Nacion, a multilateral research project, there were 16,259 registered CSOs in Costa Rica. This figure includes unions and trade associations, but does not include the many unregistered groups that exist and operate in the country.

Public Benefit Status

The Law on Associations recognizes a special “public benefit” designation for associations whose activities are deemed particularly useful to the state and address a social need. To obtain this status, an association must submit a request to the Ministry of Justice, be registered for a minimum of three years, and operate for the benefit of the community.

Associations granted public benefit status may receive exemptions and administrative and economic concessions from the government to help them achieve their goals. In exchange, they are subject to annual reporting requirements and ongoing supervision by the Ministry of Justice, which retains the authority to revoke the designation if the original justification no longer applies. (Article 32, Law on Associations)

Under the Law on Foundations, all registered foundations automatically qualify for exemptions from registration dues and national and municipal taxes, with the exception of customs tariffs. (Article 10)

Additionally, Article 3 of the Income Tax Law confirms tax-exempt status for unions, foundations, and public benefit associations, provided their income and assets are used exclusively for public interest or charitable purposes, and are not distributed to members, either directly or indirectly.

The Regulatory Law of Exonerations (Law No 7293) provides for tax exemptions for foundations whose work focuses on areas such as minors at social risk, the re-collection or treatment of garbage, natural resource conservation, environmental protection, environmental hygiene, and public health. (Article 2, paragraph (e)) Although this provision appears to narrow eligibility for tax exemptions, in practice, most foundations continue to be treated as tax-exempt entities.

Public Participation

The Law on Public Service (Ley Empleo Público), long opposed by unions and CSOs, was signed into law on March 8, 2022. Critics, particularly from labor unions, call the law “repressive” towards government employees. Criticism focuses on the so-called Clause of Conscience, which allows government employees to refuse to participate in training that conflicts with their “beliefs and convictions.” Civil society groups argue that this clause could be used to opt out of training on human rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, thereby undermining public sector commitments to non-discrimination and inclusive service delivery.

The clause was introduced as part of a political compromise between the government and conservative parties in Congress to secure the bill’s passage. LGBTQ+, feminist, and other human rights activists denounced the agreement as “treasonous,” and the country’s LGBTQ+ commissioner resigned in protest.

Barriers to Formation

Associations
Mandatory registration. For its activities to be considered legal, an association is required to register with the Registry of Associations, which is overseen by the Ministry of Justice. (Article 5) Furthermore, the Law on Associations prescribes fines for operating a secret or unregistered association, even if its goals are legal. (Article 33)

In practice, however, many informal groups operate without registering. The rise of digital platforms has further enabled unregistered groups to organize and mobilize, and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of Facebook and Whatsapp groups in the country. For example, Coalición Costa Rica was formed spontaneously after the February 2018 elections, quickly growing to a membership of approximately 300,000.

Founding members. To register, an association must have at least ten founding adult members. (Article 18) Individuals under the age of 16 may not be a member of an association, while minors over 16 may become members but may not hold leadership positions. (Article 15) Aside from age requirements, there are no other restrictions on who can serve as a founder of an association. Both natural and legal persons may establish associations. No minimum assets are required to establish an association.

The Law on Associations defines three categories of associations: simple associations, federations, and confederations. A federation is a union of two or more associations, and must include the term “federation,” “league,” or “union” in its name; these terms cannot be used by simple associations. Federated associations can, in turn, form a “confederation” and must include this term in their name. (Article 30)

Registration documentation. To register, an association must submit:

• A copy of its governing statutes, which should include the name, address, goals and activities, membership rules, funding sources, branches, dissolution procedures, and procedures to amend the statute; and
• A list of the Board of Directors, signed by all members and authenticated by a lawyer or local political authority. (Articles 5, 7, 18)

Legal registration typically involves a cost of $300-$500 for notarization of the registration documents and under $100 in registration fees, paid via official stamps (“timbres”).

Registration Process: Founders must submit two copies of the required documents to the Ministry of Justice, which will review them to establish that they “fulfill the requirements of the law and any other relevant provisions.” If deficiencies or omissions are found, the Ministry notifies the applicant, who may submit corrections. Once complete, the Ministry publishes the association’s details—including its name, objectives, legal address, and representation—in the Diario Oficial. Interested parties then have 15 days to file objections.

In practice, objections are rare, and most applications proceed without challenge. However, if registration is denied—due to opposition or any other reason—the decision is final, as the law provides no appeals process. (Articles 18–19)

Name limitations. An association may not adopt a name that is identical or confusingly similar to that of an existing entity. They are also prohibited from using terms like “society,” “firm,” or “company” that imply purposes outside those permitted by law. (Article 8)

Political associations. The law prohibits political associations of any kind, including those pursuing ends deemed physically or legally impossible under Article 631 of the Civil Code. (Article 3) The term “political” is interpreted narrowly, effectively barring associations from engaging in campaigning, electioneering, or other forms of partisan political activity.

Foundations

Foundations are “constituted through public registration or testament” and acquire legal personhood upon registration with the Person’s Department of the Public Registry. (Articles 3 and 5, Law on Foundations)

Community-based Organizations (CBOs)

The regulatory approach toward the formation and registration of CBOs is generally supportive. CBOs are often expected to coordinate with the local municipality and are prohibited from engaging in political or for-profit activities.

Foreign NGOs

Foreign associations may operate in Costa Rica by establishing a subsidiary under the Law on Associations or incorporating their statutes into the Registry of Associations and fulfilling the same legal requirements applicable to domestic entities. (Article 16, Law on Associations)

Barriers to Operations

Internal Governance

The internal governance of associations is subject to detailed regulation under the Law on Associations.

Each association is required to establish the following governing bodies:

• an assembly or general board;

• a supervisor, responsible for ensuring that the association complies with legal requirements and its governing statute; and

• a governing board, composed of at least five members including a President, Secretary, and Treasurer, all of whom must be of legal adult age. (Article 10)

The general assembly must meet within the first fifteen days of each program year to hear reports from the President, the Supervisor, and the Treasurer concerning the activities and financial status of the association during the previous program year. (Article 21)

Associations are also required to maintain a registry of associates (members) and a book of minutes for both the general assembly and board meetings. These documents must be officially authorized by the mayor of the canton in which the association is domiciled. (Article. 22)

Prohibited Activities

Associations are legally prohibited from allowing illicit activities, public disorder, or acts deemed contrary to morality or good customs to take place on their premises. They are also barred from hosting or facilitating meetings, conferences, or any type of gathering with a partisan political nature. (Article 23) In practice, however, these restrictions are not consistently enforced or subject to government scrutiny.

Termination

According to Article 13 of the Law on Associations, an association may be terminated under the following circumstances:

• When the number of eligible members falls below the minimum required (10) for legal formation;
• Upon a court-ordered dissolution based on the voluntary request of two-thirds or more of the members;
• When the temporary purpose for which the association was created has been fulfilled, or if it becomes legally or materially impossible to achieve that purpose;
• Due to loss of legal capacity, including insolvency or bankruptcy; a change in the association’s purpose; a change in its legal character; or failure to renew its executive body within the timeframe established by its governing statutes.

Termination can only be ordered by a competent court and may be appealed to a higher court. (Article 27)

In addition, an association may be declared illegal and subject to dissolution under the following conditions:

• If the association’s leaders are repeatedly found to be using funds for or conducting activities inconsistent with its official statutes, and fail to correct the issue; or
• If the association engages in activities that are prohibited by law, contrary to public morals or good customs, or subversive in nature. (Article 34)

In practice, however, the government is generally unable to monitor the activities of associations at this level of detail.

International Contact

There are no legal restrictions on the ability of CSOs to contact and cooperate with colleagues in civil society, business, or government, either within or outside the country.

From March to November 2020, there were restrictive migration and entry requirements in place in Costa Rica as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some CSOs with international links claimed their activities and programs in the country were affected. All entry restrictions on entry to Costa Rica were, however, lifted on August 1, 2021.

Sanctions

Associations may be subject to fines ranging from 2 to 30 days’ salary if they are found to be:

• Operating a secret or unregistered association, even if its goals are legal; or
• Failing to maintain properly sealed accounting records, not keeping records updated, or refusing to present the books to the competent authority. (Article 33)

The fine is based on a base salary, currently equivalent to approximately US $31 a day, and is adjusted annually.

Fines may increase to 30 to 60 days’s salary in the following cases:

• Repetition of the above offenses; or
• If the members of the Board of Directors authorize funding or activities that deviate from the association’s stated objectives (Article 33)

For public benefit organizations, more serious infractions may result in additional sanctions. Depending on the gravity of the offense, the courts may declare the Board members ineligible to establish similar organizations for up to ten years. (Article 33-bis)

As previously noted, in practice, the government’s capacity to monitor the operations of associations is limited, so enforcement of these provisions remains rare.

Dissolution

The dissolution of an association is governed by the provisions outlined in its statutes. If no such provisions exist, the association’s remaining assets are to be distributed among its members in proportion to their individual contributions. In such cases, a civil judge will appoint one to three liquidators to oversee the dissolution process. (Article 14, Law on Associations)

For foundations, only a competent Civil Judge may declare the organization’s dissolution. This may occur at the request of either the foundation’s Administrative Board or the General Comptroller of the Republic, and only when the foundation has either fulfilled the purpose for which it was created or encountered circumstances that render its purpose impossible to achieve.

If the court grants the dissolution, the foundation’s assets will be transferred to an alternate beneficiary designate by the original founders. If this was not specified or the necessary legal documentation was not completed, then the court will order the assets to be transferred to another foundation with similar objectives, or, if no such foundation exists, to a comparable public institution. (Article 17, Law on Foundations)

Barriers to Expression

The Constitution of Costa Rica enshrines the freedom of expression. Article 28 protects freedom of expression as long as it does not break the law or cause harm. It also prohibits the use of religious beliefs for political propaganda. Article 29 confirms that all people have the right to express their thoughts verbally or in writing, and to publish them without prior censorship. However, individuals are legally responsible for any abuses in the exercise of this right, as determined by law.

In practice, the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press are generally respected in Costa Rica and are supported by an independent media, effective judiciary, and sound democratic political system. Costa Rica is the highest ranking Latin American country in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, ranked 6 out of 180 countries. Attacks on journalists or media outlets are rare.

Costa Rica imposes very few restrictions on speech. Notably:

• The criminal code protects individuals’ reputations against injurias (insults), calumnias (false accusations), and difamacion (defamation), but explicitly bans the use of defamation laws to suppress political criticism.
• Members of the police and civil service are barred from publicly expressing their political preferences or participating in electoral activities, including attending meetings.

Notwithstanding these restrictions, citizens, organizations, and the media enjoy great liberty to criticize the president, government officials, congress, and other public servants. Numerous television and radio shows analyze current affairs, and several use comedy and satire in their programs. An individual who believes they have been unfairly represented in the media has the right to request a published reply.

Censorship or Content Restrictions

The press operates free of government restriction or censorship, even in cases of inaccurate reporting.

Notably, in 2015, President Solís dismissed the Minister and Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICIT) after they submitted a bill—without his approval—that would have empowered regulators to shut down media outlets. Dubbed the “censorship law” by critics, the proposal triggered public and media backlash and was ultimately withdrawn.

Government interference in content is minimal, though economic pressures—such as withdrawal of advertising—have raised concerns about indirect influence. For example, in 2016, BCR, a state-owned bank, reportedly withdrew its advertising from a newspaper due to critical articles published by that newspaper.

The judiciary in Costa Rica has guarded against government interference with the freedom of expression. In 2014, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Judicial Investigation Policy (OIJ) for unlawfully monitoring a journalist’s phone calls to identify a potential whistle-blower. In December 2022, the Constitutional Court ruled that President Chaves and his Minister of Health violated freedom of expression when they ordered the closure of Parque Viva—an events venue owned by the newspaper La Nacion. The closure, justified on public safety grounds, was widely seen as retaliatory as it followed Chaves’ public denunciation of La Nacion as part of the “scoundrel press.” The ruling was regarded as a significant victory for the freedom of expression.

Internet Freedom

Freedom to access and communicate via the Internet is broadly respected. As of 2015, approximately 60 percent of the population had access to the internet, both individually and at the household level, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

Public Access to Information

Costa Rica’s Constitution guarantees the right of public access to government information, and public institutions generally comply with requests for information, whether from citizens or noncitizens, including foreign media. Key features of the access framework include:

• A 10-day deadline to respond to requests.
• No fees or penalties for noncompliance, although petitioners can appeal refusals.
• Regular publication of government activity reports by public institutions.
• Training for civil servants on public access to information, provided by the Public Ethics Solicitor’s Office.
• A webpage maintained by the Ombudsman’s Office that is dedicated to enhancing transparency by improving access to public information.

While the Constitution guarantees access to information, Costa Rica does not yet have a formal freedom of information law. Despite multiple legislative proposals, no comprehensive law has been enacted.

Barriers to Resources

Foreign Funding

There are no legal restrictions specifically targeting CSOs that prevent them from receiving funding or resources from foreign governments, organizations, or individuals.

However, CSOs are subject to general financial regulations aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Law No. 8204requires all organizations in Costa Rica to demonstrate that their funds do not originate from illicit activities. Under this law, organizations must report deposits of $10,000 or more at the time of receipt.

In addition, as of June 1, 2019, Agreement 11-18 requires all CSOs to inform SUGEF, the anti-money laundering regulatory body, of any foreign funding they receive. The reporting requirements are extensive and align with the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Costa Rica implemented this measure to avoid being blacklisted as a jurisdiction vulnerable to money laundering or terrorist financing.

Failure to inform SUGEF about the receipt of foreign funding may result in sanctions, including the closure of organizational bank accounts.

Domestic Funding

Under Article 26 of the Law on Associations, associations are permitted to acquire all types of assets, enter into contracts, and engage in any legal transactions, provided that such activities contribute to the fulfillment of their organizational goals.

Associations may receive state funding, including donations, subsidies, transfers of goods and properties, or other financial contributions from the government or its institutions. This support is subject to oversight by the General Comptroller of the Republic.

Associations receiving state funding are required to submit annual reports to the government within one month of the fiscal year’s close. Failure to comply results in the suspension of eligibility to receive further public funding until the documentation is submitted. (Article 26, Law on Associations)

For foundations, donated assets granted at the time of their creation constitute the foundation’s sole patrimony and may only be used to pursue the foundation’s stated purpose.

To be eligible for public funding, a foundation must meet the following requirements:

• Be legally constituted for at least one year;
• Demonstrate ongoing activity, with at least one project executed per year;
• Maintain an up-to-date registry of its personnel and legal status; and
• Obtain certification, when applicable, from the General Comptroller of the Republic verifying that received donations and transfers were used in accordance with their designated purposes and in line with the principles of good governance. (Article 18)

While foundations are not commercial entities, they may engage in income-generating activities, provided that all profits are used exclusively to advance the foundation’s goals. (Article 7, Law on Foundations)

Barriers to Assembly

Article 26 of Costa Rica’s Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, establishing that:

• Everyone has the right to meet peacefully and unarmed, whether for private purposes or to discuss political matters and evaluate the conduct of public officials.
• Meetings held on private premises do not need prior authorization, while public gatherings are subject to legal regulation.

Although the Constitution provides this guarantee, there is no specific legislative act or regulation that governs public assemblies in Costa Rica.

In practice, public demonstrations are coordinated informally through a mutual planning process between police authorities and event organizers. While there is no legally required advance notification period, organizers are generally expected to inform the police of their plans ahead of time, allowing at least a day’s notice for adequate preparation. Organizers do not provide the names of participants to the police. The police typically support assemblies to ensure the safety of both the organizers and participants. The only restrictions imposed by police, based on the mutual planning exercise, is that organizers refrain from blocking public roads or engaging in behavior that may provoke disturbances or endanger public safety.

Spontaneous demonstrations may be subject to police scrutiny and possible dissolution if they evolve into public order concerns. However, informal peaceful gatherings in public spaces are generally permitted and do not trigger police intervention unless they result in disruptions.

Although counter-demonstrations are not explicitly addressed in law, the police in Costa Rica strongly discourages simultaneous assemblies by opposing groups in the same location. For example, it is unlikely that the police would support concurrent demonstrations by pro-choice and anti-abortion groups at the same site and time, as these could pose risks to public order.

While we aim to maintain information that is as current as possible, we realize that situations can rapidly change.  If you are aware of any additional information or inaccuracies on this page, please keep us informed; write to ICNL at ngomonitor@icnl.org.

Historical Notes

Costa Rica is widely regarded as a model of democracy and stability in Central America. Notably, the country has no standing army and allocates limited resources for law enforcement, instead prioritizing investment in education and public health. While organized crime has become a growing concern in recent years, Costa Rica remains largely free from terrorism and political violence.

The country operates as a presidential republic, with three constitutionally independent branches: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial powers. The unicameral Legislative Assembly—often referred to as the most influential branch—is composed of 57 deputies, all elected directly every four years, alongside the President and Vice President. Presidents can only serve one term.

Costa Rica follows a civil law system, and in comparison to many other countries in the region, its population enjoys broad protections for civil liberties and political rights. Civil society freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, have long been respected both in law and in practice, and civil society has traditionally operated in a secure and enabling environment.

Violence against civil society activists remains rare, although isolated cases have caused national concern. One prominent example is the 2013 murder of environmental activist Jairo Mora, who was killed by organized crime groups in retaliation for his efforts to combat   the illegal trade of turtle eggs. While the authorities arrested and prosecuted the perpetrators, the incident ignited alarm among activist organizations.

A more systemic concern relates to the fact that many associations and foundations in Costa Rica are believed to be businesses masquerading as not-for-profit organizations, motivated in part by tax advantages and less stringent oversight compared to for-profit enterprises. Furthermore, the ability of foundations to receive public funds raises concerns about potential collusion with public servants in the grant decision process.

Carlos Alvarado assumed the presidency on April 27, 2018, and formed a multi-party “cabinet of national unity” that included members of opposition political parties—PUSC, FA, PLN—alongside his own party (PAC), which held a minority of cabinet posts. The only political party that declined to participate in the cabinet was the National Restoration Party (PRN). The new cabinet was also notable for its gender equality, with membership split equally between men and women, and for the historic appointment of Epsy Campbell as both Costa Rica’s first Black Vice President and first female Minister of Foreign Affairs. Alvarado, then 38 years old, also appointed many young professionals to cabinet positions.

In February 2022, Costa Rica held general elections. Out of 25 presidential candidates, the top two were José María Figueres Olsen (25% of the vote) and Rodrigo Chaves (16%). Chaves eventually won the presidency and assumed office on May 8, 2022.

Chaves’ administration has quickly altered the political climate, signaling a more restrictive approach to civil society engagement. Key policy shifts include:

• The revocation of most COVID-19 measures, including the state of emergency declared in August 2021.
• Suspension and review of the technical norm that allows abortion if the mother’s life is threatened, threatening to eliminate the right to abortion altogether.
• A decision not to appoint an LGBTQ+ rights envoy, not to fly LGBTQ+ flags on Gay Pride Day, and that government officials will not participate in Pride Month events.

In addition, Chaves has repeatedly clashed with the media, including La Nacion, CRhoy, and Channel 7, referring to them as “scoundrel” media. During the electoral campaign, these outlets had all reported on allegations of sexual harassment against Chaves during his tenure at the World Bank, and he has continued to criticize them publicly since taking office.

General News

IACHR to assess human rights situation in Costa Rica (February 2025)
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will hold a public hearing to “obtain first-hand updated information on the human rights situation in Costa Rica.” Various civil society organizations will express their concerns on issues such as citizen security, violence against women, children, indigenous peoples, and the LGBTQ population, the environment, and attacks on judicial independence.

Chaves removes LGTBI commissioner (January 2025)
President Rodrigo Chaves announced during his usual Wednesday press conference his determination to repeal the figure of the LGTBI commissioner established by former President Carlos Alvarado. The Presidential Social Council will be the body in charge of monitoring any condition of vulnerability that a person faces related to the nature of his or her birth, and he cited issues of disability, ethnicity, among others. They also announced that they will repeal Executive Decree 38,999, which established the “Policy of the Executive Branch to eradicate discrimination against the LGBTI population from its institutions.”

Media tensions sise as Costa Rica government mocks reporters (September 2024)
Tension between President Rodrigo Chaves and the press continues to escalate. During this week’s press conference, journalists were mocked by President Chaves and intimidated by the presence of Presidential House custodians while performing their duties. Journalists David Chavarría, of the radio platform Interferencia, and David Bolaños, of the information verification project Doble Check, attended the government’s weekly press conference as part of their duties. The journalists posed questions about the Gandoca-Manzanillo case and the companies seeking approval for 12-hour workdays. These questions were directed to President Chaves, the Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach, and Laura Fernández, Minister of the Presidency. The answers provided were insufficient or evasive, prompting the journalists to attempt to ask follow-up questions and address related topics.

Business sector protests exchange rate policies (May 2024)
Farmers, tourism workers, exporters, free trade zones, the construction industry, and other sectors have raised their voices about the effects of the current exchange rate. Representatives of the private sector indicated that they were forced to resort to this demonstration since they have urged dialogue and measures without being accepted by the government.

Activists call for end to police abuse (December 2023)
On September 9, 2023, CSOs held a demonstration in downtown San José to denounce the problem of police abuse. The protest aimed to bring attention to the recent case of Deborah Chaves, a 23-year-old woman who reported an assault by 15 police officers during a search outside a bar in Alajuela. According to the CSOs, police violence has risen since 2020.

Contract broken with Omar Dengo Foundation in favor of contract with cousin (July 2023)
Two representatives denounced that the head of the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Anna Katharinna Müller, decided to break a contract with the Omar Dengo Foundation (FOD), which carries out national and regional projects in the fields of human development, educational innovation, and new technologies. Müller later signed the same agreement with the North American Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), which is chaired by her cousin, Silvia Castro Montero.

Costa Rican border rules block poorer nations from world summits (July 2023)
More than 300 participants were unable to attend the digital rights conference in Costa Rica in person due to visa issues. The Kenyan Nanjala Nyabola, a board member at Access Now, said many Black and brown participants had been picked out and detained by Costa Rican border agents for periods of up to three hours. Some were later deported. Anger over their treatment has reignited debate about unequal visa and border regimes that limit Global South nationals’ participation in international conferences tackling issues from climate change to economic systems and conflicts.

Leonel Baruch reveals Pilar Cisneros asked for help to make a newspaper disappear (June 2023)
Businessman Leonel Baruch Goldberg, a shareholder of Banco BCT and the media outlet CRHoy, revealed that the pro-government deputy Pilar Cisneros, who is a close ally of President Chaves, asked him to support the interests of the government so that the newspaper La Nación would disappear.

The Law on Public Service Enters into Force (March 2023)
Fully rejected by all public unions, the “Law on Public Service” became effective on March 10. Unions consider this law harmful for government workers.

Costa Rican Legislators Asked Not to shelve Escazu Agreement (February 2023)
Several organizations have asked the Costa Rican congress not to dismiss the Escazú Agreement and revive its discussion. The letter sent to the representatives was signed by 21 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 42 groups, and 40 citizens. The Escazú Agreement’s main objective is to guarantee adequate access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making processes, and access to justice in environmental matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Statement by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris at the end of official visit to Costa Rica (December 2022)
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…. 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.

UN Recognizes Labor Improvements in Costa Rica (November 2022)
Costa Rica improved its situation regarding forced labor in the country although it still persists in various sectors, said the United Nations special rapporteur on new forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata. He added that among the indicators evaluated are “long working hours without enough time to go to the bathroom or eat, low wages, harassment or violence, including of a sexual nature, and unhealthy workplaces”.

Costa Rica: Marches against the IMF (October 2020)
Hundreds of members of the labor groups of the Trade Union and Social Movement marched in Costa Rica against any loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In different sites of the country, protesters carry out rallies, bumper-to-bumper caravans and demonstrations. There was also a call for protection measures for health staff who are in the front line fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Costa Rica, under the slogan that if health workers are at risk, Costa Ricans are in danger.

Prosecutor’s Office raids Costa Rican presidency for alleged violation of citizens’ privacy (February 2020)
The Prosecutor’s Office in Costa Rica raided the Presidential House as part of an investigation into a government unit for data analysis on suspicion that the body has violated people’s privacy. The Chief Prosecutor’s Office conducted 10 raids on Casa Presidencial, the Ministry of Planning, and four private residences, the agency said in a statement, noting that eight people are being investigated as part of the case, including President Carlos Alvarado.

Costa Rica Repeals Decree Creating Department with Access to ‘Confidential’ Informations (February 2020)
The Costa Rican government repealed a decree that had created a Data Analysis Unit after public criticism questioned its purpose and scope. The criticism stemmed from a CRHoy.com story detailing the contents of the text, signed by President Carlos Alvarado in October 2019. As published in official government newspaper La Gaceta, the decree gave the government-run Data Analysis Unit “access to confidential information available to public institutions when so required.”

Legislators Approve in First Debate Bill To Regulate Strikes (September 2019)
The Bill that regulates strikes was approved in first debate. The Bill contains several important steps in the government’s plan to not repeat the 89 day strike last year by public sector works, one of which is the suspension of wages to striking workers, unless the strike is declared legal by a judge, because it was due to a breach of the employer, who must pay retroactively the wages. However, the text adds that this last provision does not apply to essential services since in these strikes are illegal.

Teacher’s Strike Leaves 22,000 Students Hungry (September 2019)
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) reports a total of 21,930 students who were left without meals during this second day of the strike by almost 16,000 teachers. According to the report prepared by the Regional Directorates, the strike closed the doors to 123 student lunch rooms. This is despite the fact that Article 375 of the Labor Code establishes the prohibition of strikes in school lunchrooms and shelters that serve vulnerable populations.

Thousands participate in Costa Rican pro-life march (September 2019)
Thousands participated in Saturday’s March for Life in the Costa Rican capital, urging the president not to sign a technical regulation for the performance of therapeutic abortion. The August 31 event was organized by Wake Up Costa Rica, Democracy in Action, and the Autonomous University of Central America.

Conservative groups launch campaign against civil liberties (September 2019) (Spanish)
Conservative groups in congress launched recentlymajor stances against civic liberties. The first, disguised as “civilian unions”, is clearly to reverse the resolution of CIDH on gay marriage. Though the text is unknown, the proposal may have now 20 supporters and may bar most rights for gay couples, such as adoption.

President Alvarado addresses Costa Rican protests (July 2019)
President Carlos Alvarado delivered a nationwide address in response to protests that have disrupted travel throughout the country. Citing Costa Rica’s history as a democratic nation, the President said his administration will continue using dialogue as the primary method of addressing issues. But Alvarado ended with a more forceful message apparently directed at sectors — including truckers and students — that have shut down roads and highways across Costa Rica.

Their fate in limbo, many Nicaraguan exiles struggle in Costa Rica (March 2019)
The fate of the estimated 50,000 Nicaraguans who’ve fled violence and persecution for exile in Costa Rica over the last year is a central point in fledgling peace talks between Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s government and the opposition, which is demanding guarantees for their safe return. But while negotiators in Managua haggle over that and other thorny issues with little progress, many exiles are struggling.

Indigenous leader Sergio Rojas assassinated in Costa Rica (March 2019)
Renowned leader of the Bribrí indigenous community, Sergio Rojas Ortíz, was assassinated on the night of March 18 in his house in the indigenous territory of Salitre, in the Buenos Aires canton of the Puntarenas province. 55-year-old Rojas was the president of the Local Government of the Bribrí of Salitre territory and the co-coordinator of the National Front of Indigenous People (FRENAPI). For years, he was struggling for the right of indigenous people to access their ancestral territories in different parts of the country. (For an update on the search for the suspect responsible for the killing, see this link.)

Congress approves salary equality between men and women (March 2019)
The Bill on Equal Pay for Men and Women was recently approved in the second debate. Costa Rica has taken a step forward in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 by the United Nations and its member states to finally empower all women and girls.

Alvarado approve controversial tax reform (December 2018)
The Costa Rican Congress approved a controversial tax-reform project with which the government seeks to contain a growing fiscal deficit. The drafted law, “Strengthening public finances,” was approved in the second and last debate with the vote of 34 legislators in favor and 17 against. Hundreds of opponents of the initiative demonstrated outside the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly.

Constitutional Court Gives Green Light To Tax Reform Bill (November 2018)
The Constitutional Court (Sala Constitucional, also known as “Sala IV”), endorsed the process of the tax reform (plan fiscal) promoted by the government of Carlos Alvarado, in its task to put in order the country’s finances and avoid an economic crisis. Unanimously, the Constitutional Court declared that it found no procedural flaws in the bill.

Costa Rica’s Same-sex Couples Can Marry in 2020 (November 2018)
Same-sex couples in Costa Rica will have the right to get married by mid-2020, the nation’s constitutional court has ruled, a first for socially conservative Central America. In a majority decision made public on Thursday, the court backed the opinion of the San Jose-based Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which said in January that countries in the region should legalize same-sex unions.

Fabricio Alvarado leaves Restauración Nacional and creates new party (October 2018)
Former presidential candidate Fabricio Alvarado announced his resignation from the National Restoration Party (PRN) in a video posted on his Facebook page. Minutes later, seven deputies of that party released a press release, in which they declared themselves independent to join Alvarado’s new party called “Nueva República.” In his statement, Alvarado tried to distance himself from the accusations that shook the party after the presidential elections, where he lost in the second round.

Costa Rica can’t ban same-sex marriage, court rules (August 2018)
Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado welcomed the country’s Supreme Court ruling August 8 that declared a ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. Supreme Court Judge Fernando Castillo gave Costa Rican lawmakers 18 months to pass a same-sex marriage bill. If not, same-sex marriage will become legal by 2020 if no action is taken. If lawmakers pass a same-sex marriage law, the country will become the first in Central America to recognize marriage equality.

Former Presidents Of Costa Rica Make A Call Against Xenophobia (August 2018)
Former presidents have called for peace and warned against perverse interests that may be trying to destroy “our harmony and fuel hatred and xenophobia”. “Let us not succumb to temptation,” says the Tweet that includes a copy of the letter signed by all the former presidents: Rafael Angel Calderon (1990-1994), Jose Maria Figueres Olsen (1994-1998), Miguel Angel Rodriguez (1998-2002), Abel Pacheco de la Espriella (2002-2006), Oscar Arias (2006-2010), Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014), and Guillermo Solis (2014-2018).

Thousands protest tax reform (June 2018)
President Carlos Alvarado tweeted the government hopes to declare the strike illegal, adding in a statement he “will not enter a dialogue” while the strike impacts workers and students. Demonstrations began with a red wave of taxis blocking Avenida 2 in downtown San José. The protests continued throughout the capital city as they did on streets throughout the country: thousands of people voicing their disapproval of a tax reform law they believe unfairly targets the working class.

Trans People Waiting on TSE to Change Names According to Self-Perceived Sex (June 2018)
As of May 31, 2018, the number of requests by trans people waiting to change their names on their cedula(national identity card), according to their self-perceived gender, reached 151. This procedure, which has been demanded for years by the trans population, will be possible after the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) announced on May 17, 2018 a reform in the Civil Status Regulation.

Statistical dead heat in Costa Rica’s presidential elections (March 2018)
Evangelical preacher Fabricio Alvarado and former government minister Carlos Alvarado are in a statistical tie as the second round of Costa Rica’s presidential campaign enters full swing, according to a poll published Wednesday. The preacher, who less than one month before February’s elections was at 3 percent in the CIEP poll, surged to the lead after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of same-sex marriage within its member countries, which include Costa Rica. Alvarado said that if he is elected, he will withdraw Costa Rica from the court in order to avoid complying with the ruling.

TSE receives a complaint every six hours for alleged use of religion in politics (February 2018)
In just fifteen days the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) received 60 complaints for the alleged use of religion in politics. That is to say, the electoral body registered four complaints per day, one every six hours, of Costa Ricans concerned about the violation of the Electoral Code for invoking religious reasons to campaign politically.