Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco is urged to disclose a migration agreement with the U.S. regarding third-country nationals deported to Costa Rica. Human Rights Watch emphasizes these individuals’ right to seek asylum amid concerns about legal procedures and living conditions in the reception center. The government faces criticism over its historical role as a refugee safe haven, as deportees’ rights remain a pressing issue.

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco is expected to address his migration agreement with the United States on March 19, 2025. Human Rights Watch urges that third-country nationals deported from the United States should be allowed to seek asylum in Costa Rica. Recently, 200 individuals, including 80 children, were deported to Costa Rica and are currently in a migration reception facility near the Panamanian border, comprising nationals from countries such as Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Human Rights Watch strongly criticizes potential complicity with US policies that might be abusive. Michael Garcia Bochenek, a senior official at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that Costa Rican authorities must promptly assess possible refugee claims and ensure that no individuals are sent back to environments where they would face serious threats.

While US and Costa Rican officials assert that deported nationals desire to return home, testimony from several deportees contradicts this claim. They reported that they explicitly stated their need for asylum to officials from both countries upon their arrival. Furthermore, the practices by US officials during these deportations have raised legal concerns, notably surrounding the expedited removal process, which often precludes individuals from receiving a fair hearing regarding their asylum claims.

Numerous cases exemplify the urgent need for a reassessment of these deportations. For instance, a woman from Iran, who had initially established a credible fear of persecution, was nevertheless deported to Costa Rica without due process. Similar situations were reported by a family from Afghanistan facing Taliban repercussions and a Russian couple fleeing electoral prosecution, both of whom were denied access to the appropriate asylum procedures.

Costa Rican officials have characterized the acceptance of these migrants as temporary, referring to them simply as a bridge to their home countries. This position undermines the fundamental principles of asylum, lacking recognition of the migrants’ rights to protection and the possibility of extending their stay due to humanitarian reasons.

Historically, Costa Rica has been a sanctuary for refugees, but recent governmental measures have aimed at restricting asylum access. While some of these measures were reviewed by the courts in 2024, the foundation of Costa Rica’s obligations under international law to protect asylum seekers remains.

President Rodrigo Chaves and other officials have linked Costa Rica’s cooperation with U.S. immigration policies to economic considerations, specifically referencing financial support from the U.S. for the deported individuals’ stay in Costa Rica. However, this has raised concerns over the ethical implications of such agreements.

Amidst these challenges, families are currently held in a reception center with inadequate conditions for children. Although the staff maintain a welcoming demeanor, the climate and lack of structured activities significantly affect the children’s well-being, leading to concerns highlighted by Costa Rica’s ombuds office.

The Legislative Assembly has summoned the foreign minister to disclose the details of the agreement with the United States and to clarify Costa Rica’s commitment to upholding the asylum rights of the deported individuals.

In conclusion, the situation regarding deported migrants in Costa Rica raises significant human rights concerns. Human Rights Watch advocates for the Costa Rican government to confirm its commitment to allowing these individuals to seek asylum. The upcoming address by Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco will be a pivotal moment to clarify the country’s obligations under international law and ensure the protection of human rights for these vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com

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