SJM Costa Rica rejects the President’s announcement on migrants
The Jesuit Migrant Service for Costa Rica has rejected, in a statement, the announcement by the country's President Rodrigo Chaves about taking measures to prevent "economic migrants" from continuing to use the figure of political refugees to stay in the territory. We share the statement.
WE CATEGORICALLY REJECT "the warnings" of President Rodrigo Chaves that could place refugees in Costa Rica in circumstances of greater vulnerability.
With deep concern, we received the statement made by President Chaves Robles today, 16 November. In his own words:
"We cannot continue to accept refugees, who are not political refugees, but economic refugees."
DON RODRIGO, you should know that reviewing refugee applications is the responsibility of the authorities established in the country's current legislation. In the first instance, the Restricted Visas and Refuge Commission and, in the second instance, the Administrative Migration Tribunal (TAM) decide on granting refugee status in the country under the international human rights standards and agreements signed by Costa Rica. Applicants for refugee status are obliged to follow the procedure established by law. Nor is it a new matter that the bodies responsible for recognising this law have faced limitations with complying in time and form with all the processes they have been in charge of for decades.
"I understand that people want to come and stay here."
DON RODRIGO know that people come to this country because they have had to flee, to protect their physical and emotional integrity. It is essential not to make light of the tragedy of the forced displacement of people and the complexity of the migratory flows that occur in Costa Rica and the rest of the continent. People dream of being able to return to their country, and we, the organisations that accompany so many people who experience these realities, know this very well.
"We have more than 200,000 people requesting political refuge."
DON RODRIGO know that in the Refugee regulation, article 17, of law #8764, it is expressly stated that: "the term refugee shall apply to any foreign person to whom the Restricted Visas and Refuge Commission recognises such status and who, due to well-founded fears of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, gender, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of nationality or habitual residence and is unable or because of such fears, does not wish to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it. "
It is essential not to reduce the concept of a refugee in Costa Rica to persecution for political reasons, so we must insist on the definition established in the national regulations and its correct use. We will not delve further into the statements of the President. Still, it is imperative and urgent that the government administration of Mr Chaves prioritise the above claims made to the international community for the protection, legal certainty, and efficiency in providing public services to refugees in the country to which the Costa Rican state is obliged.
And DON RODRIGO, last but not least, you should know that it is worth recognising the undeniable contribution made by people in forced mobility who seek to move forward in Costa Rica. Therefore, they should not be seen only as "a high cost." On the contrary, their contributions, workforce, and cultures are also aspects that, with some humility, we should all take into account and be grateful for. We will keep a close eye on "this week's letter or processes," which, according to your statements, will be established in the future, given the situation of refugees in Costa Rica.
We wish that Costa Rica will indeed be "a good world citizen," and as you have said, you want us to continue to follow you, but DON RODRIGO, the first requirement for this, is a sense of humanity. So let us not forget it!
An exhortation from: Karina Fonseca Vindas
National Director of the Jesuit Service for Migrants Costa Rica
With the support of Red Jesuita con Migrantes Centroamérica and Red Jesuita con Migrantes de Latinoamérica y el Caribe.
Information from redjesuitaconmigranteslac.org
Source: Jesuitas.lat
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