Central America

UN complaint filed against Costa Rica over detention of migrant children

A group of human rights lawyers has filed a complaint against Costa Rica, alleging that the Central American nation violated the rights of dozens of migrant children by detaining them in a rural facility for nearly two months after they were deported from the United States in February.

The children — some as young as 2 years old — are part of a larger group of migrants, mainly from Afghanistan, China, Russia, and other Asian countries, who were deported from the U.S. as part of a broader immigration crackdown under former President Donald Trump.

Many had hoped to seek asylum in the U.S. and expressed fear about returning to their home countries. Instead, they were dropped off in Costa Rica and Panama, where they do not speak the local language. Originally intended as brief transit points, these countries have become a state of limbo, with migrants stuck for over 50 days.

Critics argue this is part of a U.S. strategy to “export” its deportation process, while human rights advocates warn that Costa Rica and Panama are becoming a “black hole” for deported migrants.

In Costa Rica, around 200 migrants — including 81 children — were taken to a rural migrant processing center near the border with Panama and held in a building that once served as a factory.

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The complaint, filed Thursday night by the Global Strategic Litigation Council (GSLC) and other human rights groups, was submitted to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, alleging that Costa Rica breached international agreements under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Silvia Serna Román, one of the attorneys involved, said the migrants were detained without legal status and had no access to education or mental health services in their native languages. The prolonged detention is raising concerns about long-term psychological effects on the children, as many parents report signs of emotional distress such as isolation and sadness.

“These children are in a very crucial stage of development, and they’ve already fled difficult conditions in their home countries,” Serna Román said on Friday. “Now, they’re being subjected to prolonged detention and inhumane treatment. Parents are worried.”

Serna Román also said the migrants have had little access to legal counsel. The Costa Rican government has stated that detainees can leave the facility if they agree to return to their countries of origin or apply for asylum in Costa Rica.

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Central America

Costa Rica closes embassy in Cuba, citing human rights concerns

The government of Costa Rica announced on Wednesday the closure of its embassy in Cuba, a move that signals a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed that Costa Rica has also requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel from San José, leaving only consular representation in place.

According to André, the decision is driven by concerns over the worsening human rights situation on the island, including increased repression against citizens and opposition figures.

He also noted that Cuba’s ongoing economic and social crisis—marked by shortages of food, medicine, and basic services—has made the operation of the embassy increasingly difficult.

President Rodrigo Chaves backed the measure, stating that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of Cuba’s political system.

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In response, the Cuban government rejected the decision, calling it a “unilateral” move taken under pressure from United States.

“Under pressure from the United States, Costa Rica has limited its relations with Cuba to consular matters,” Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said, describing the action as “arbitrary.”

Despite the diplomatic setback, Cuban authorities stated that historical ties between the two nations would endure.

Central America

Costa Rica closes Cuba embassy as president escalates rhetoric

The president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, escalated political rhetoric on Wednesday, stating that “the hemisphere must be cleansed of communists,” following his government’s decision to close its embassy in Cuba.

The remarks come as Costa Rica moves to downgrade diplomatic relations with the island, citing a sustained deterioration in human rights. Chaves reiterated that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of the Cuban government, accusing it of repression and of maintaining poor living conditions for its population.

“We do not recognize the legitimacy of that government. We will not maintain a consulate there; services will be handled from Panama,” Chaves said during a press conference.

The president also argued that the communist model has “failed” not only in Cuba but in every country where it has been implemented, emphasizing that freedom is essential for development.

The decision was made in coordination with president-elect Laura Fernández, who is set to take office on May 8 and is expected to maintain the same foreign policy stance.

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Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed the closure of the embassy in Havana and requested that Cuba withdraw its diplomatic personnel from San José, while maintaining limited consular functions.

Costa Rican authorities justified the move by pointing to increased repression against citizens, activists, and opposition figures, as well as restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

The closure marks a new point of tension in bilateral relations and comes amid growing international pressure on Cuba.

Central America

Analyst questions IACHR role over report on El Salvador emergency measures

Political analyst Óscar Martínez Peñate on Tuesday called for a review of the role currently played by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), arguing that it has undermined its credibility by hosting the presentation of a report critical of El Salvador.

Speaking during the interview program Panorama, Martínez questioned the commission’s decision to accept a report prepared by the Grupo Internacional de Expertas y Expertos para la Investigación de Violaciones de Derechos Humanos en El Salvador, which examines alleged human rights violations under the country’s state of emergency.

“We should examine what the current role of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is. How is it possible that they agree to host the presentation of a report whose premise is against a State, a government, a political system, and Salvadoran society?” Martínez said.

He added that by allowing the presentation of the report, the commission “automatically disqualifies itself.”

Martínez also questioned whether it is appropriate for the IACHR to serve as a “platform” for what he described as the defense of criminals, by treating the GIPES report as credible.

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According to the analyst, the commission is acting in a way that contradicts its mandate by enabling narratives that, in his view, go against Salvadoran society.