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The U.S. Department of State has issued the 2013 Report for Human Rights Practices, which includes a report for Costa Rica. According to the summary of the report, authorities maintained effective control over the security forces, which did not commit human rights abuses. Principal human rights abuses reported during the year included harsh prison conditions and treatment, delays in the judicial process, and domestic violence against women and children. Other human rights problems included trafficking in persons, including sex trafficking of children, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The government investigated and prosecuted officials who committed abuses; however, impunity still existed.
The full report talks about government corruption, and cites as evidence the hasty construction of the border highway with Nicaragua, dubious campaign contributions in national elections, and the case against former president Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, involving financial irregularities in the national insurance system. Also mentioned was the use of private jet by President Laura Chinchilla, which turned out to be donated by a Colombian national under investigation for narcotics trafficking.
The report includes 200 countries, and is based on information collected by U.S. Embassies and the State Department during the year. The report is mandated by the U.S. Congress.