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Projects

The Fight against human trafficking

Thematic workshop - 2016

A modern form of slavery and one of the most severe violations of human rights

Project duration : 2015 - 2018

Human trafficking is a serious problem that affects millions of people all over the world, including children. Currently, human trafficking is considered a form of modern slavery and one of the worst violations of human rights, and Costa Rica is not immune to it. In the past decade, the country has ratified its main instruments in this matter, promoted laws, regulations and protocols, and implemented institutional reforms aimed at fighting criminality and protecting victims. But, the complexity of human trafficking and its associated crimes creates significant challenges the country must face with respect to prevention, protection, criminal prosecution and victim compensation.

Our Goals

  • Better application of laws, policies and procedures.
  • Improved and coordinated institutional action.
  • Improved prevention and reporting mechanisms for authorities, members of the community and the tourism sector.

To reach these objectives, it is essential to build the capacities of professionals tasked with supervising, preventing, investigating and prosecuting crimes related to human trafficking, especially with regard to children. Specific training workshops that took place throughout the year focused on international regulations, the definition of a minor, and legal proceedings for human trafficking cases. The project, financed by Global Affairs Canada, directly involves various public agencies that are members of the National Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (CONATT), as well as training units for law enforcement officials (highway police, border control officers and air surveillance officers) and legal practitioners.

Sharing practices and experiences on a regional level

Because human trafficking is a national and transnational crime, discussing good practices and challenges as well as sharing knowledge between neighbouring countries can be very beneficial. The IBCR took advantage of its increased regional presence to share professional experiences with bordering countries through exchange trips (Colombia and Panama), human trafficking seminars and participation in the establishment of the Latin American Knowledge Management Centre.

  • Intervention locations : San José, Jaco, Parrita, Quepos, Limon, Neilly, La Cruz
  • Project duration: 2015 - 2018
  • Partners :
    • Global Affairs Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica, National Police School, National Law School, Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), Coalición Nacional Contra el Tráfico Ilícito de Migrantes y la Trata de Personas (National Coalition against the Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Persons), Comisión Nacional Contra la Explotación Sexual Comercial (National Commission Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation) and Costa Rican civil society organisations.
  • Highlights:
    • Organisation of bilateral meetings to share knowledge and experiences in the field of trafficking
    • Organisation of three thematic workshops with professionals from security and justice forces
    • Consultations with children
  • Fields of activity and expertise :
    • Capacity building
    • Applied research
    • Advocacy and institutional support
    • Tools, reference manuals and standards
    • Training leadership
    • Child sexual exploitation
    • Children and the justice system

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