[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

COSTA RICA (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Costa Rica does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.  The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Costa Rica remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included convicting a labor trafficker for the first time since 2019; identifying more victims, including six male victims; and notably increasing funding allocations for victim services.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  Funding for anti-trafficking efforts remained inadequate, particularly funding for prevention measures and campaigns to raise awareness of trafficking.  The government investigated and prosecuted fewer trafficking cases than in the previous reporting period.

Prioritized Recommendations

Increase victim identification and referral, particularly in coordination and collaboration with local, interagency, and civil society partners. 

Increase funding for victim services and provide specialized shelter and services for trafficking victims in partnership with civil society organizations. 

Train local prosecutors to recognize trafficking cases and seek support from the national prosecutor. 

Intensify efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses, including forced labor and child sex tourism, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms. 

Reduce bureaucratic obstacles to the disbursement of funds allocated to anti-trafficking efforts. 

Fund and implement the judicial action plan to improve the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases. 

Further reduce the backlog of trafficking cases in the judicial system. 

Conduct thorough and transparent criminal investigations and prosecute government officials complicit in trafficking offenses. 

Increase anti-trafficking training for police, judges, and municipal officials. 

Improve data collection on judicial, law enforcement, and victim protection efforts.

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