Costa Rica's Progress and Challenges in Combating Human Trafficking

The U.S. Department of State has released the 2024 Human Trafficking Report. Costa Rica was classified as Tier 2, meaning it does not fully meet minimum standards to eliminate human trafficking but is making “significant efforts” to meet those standards.

“Globally, an estimated 27 million people are exploited for work, services and the sex trade. Through force, fraud and coercion, they are forced to work hard in fields and factories, in restaurants and homes. Traffickers prey on some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people in the world – taking advantage of their plight,” said Antony Blinken, Secretary of State.

The Department of State's annual report on human trafficking provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of this crime. It measures progress in 188 countries and provides information on efforts by governments and stakeholders to combat the problem. “We are advancing President Biden's commitment to preventing trafficking, prosecuting perpetrators, and protecting survivors,” Blinken added.

Compared to the previous period, the Costa Rican government increased its overall efforts, which allowed it to maintain its position. According to the report, the government allocated resources to prevention programs for the first time in three years, prosecuted more suspected traffickers, convicted more traffickers, and provided services to all identified victims.

Nonetheless, the US State Department has mentioned that funding for anti-trafficking efforts remains insufficient and bureaucracy continues to be a problem, particularly when it comes to accessing funds.

According to the document, only one male trafficking victim has been identified, and housing and service options for adult male victims are insufficient.

The US State Department recommended increasing victim identification and referral, increasing funding for specialized services and improving training for local prosecutors, intensifying efforts to investigate and prosecute crimes linked to trafficking, reduce bureaucratic obstacles to the allocation of funds and improve data collection on judicial and judicial proceedings. efforts to protect victims.