The recrudescence of the humanitarian and political crisis in Nicaragua is already creating a migratory pressure in Costa Rica, admitted the government.
Vice President and Chancellor of the Republic, Epsy Campbell said on Thursday that the demand of Nicaraguans trying to enter the country has certainly increased. On average, the Costa Rican consulates in that country receive between 600 and 700 new applications for visas, while 150 Nicaraguans are entering the borders for the first time.
The chancellor added that due to this increase the government is already managing international cooperation with international entities such as the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Pan American Health Organization, and the embassies of various countries in Costa Rica.
The chancellor did not specify what amount is being requested from these entities, but commented that about $ 200 (around ₡ 113 million) have already been received for the attention of migrants who request refuge and who are already located in two shelters, one in the north zone and another in Golfito.
On the other hand, Campbell highlighted the region’s support to Costa Rica’s proposal before the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) that condemns human rights violations in Nicaragua and, in turn, demands the identity of those responsible for the violence, and the dismantling of para-police groups.
The national proposal was supported by 21 States and only three were against (Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).
Seven nations abstained (El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Belize, and Suriname) and three were absent (Bolivia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica).