HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE BEGINS CONSIDERATION OF FOURTH PERIODIC REPORT OF COSTA RICA
Press Release
HR/CT/535
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE BEGINS CONSIDERATION OF FOURTH PERIODIC REPORT OF COSTA RICA
19990405 Experts Commend Costa Rica's Promotion of Human Rights, Ask for More Detail, Data on Human Rights Practices 'On the Ground'The Committee on Human Rights this morning began its consideration of Costa Rica's fourth periodic report on compliance with the Universal Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee experts commending Costa Rica for its attitude towards human rights, but saying its report lacked specific data and information on the progress made in the achievement of those rights and how they were negotiated in practice.
Abdelfattah Amor, expert from Tunisia, commended Costa Rica on its very active role in promoting and protecting human rights. However, he added, while the report was very dense and profound in its analyses, there were sections of it where it became academic. He would have preferred a situation in which the practical aspects were not concealed by an academic theoretical presentation.
David Kretzmer, expert from Israel, said that while the report was rich in detail on legal and constitutional agreements, it was lacking in details that were taking place on the ground. A number of other experts expressed the same concern, stressing that there was a definite need for more information on the actual practice of human rights in Costa Rica.
Many members also expressed concern over the issue of gender discrimination. Elizabeth Evatt, expert from Australia, said the report suggested that discrimination and inequality resulted largely from cultural attitudes by males. The consequence of that was that women were more affected by poverty. Such attitudes also affected the level of protection against violence and abuse. Moreover, it was not clear whether strict legal equality had been applied.
Maxwell Yalden, expert from Canada, also addressing the issue of gender, said the report gave no concrete data on the participation of women in the work force, and in particular their participation in the education sector. He wanted to know whether there was an independent agency, outside of the Government, to trace matters related to women's employment.
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The Minister of Justice of Costa Rica, Monica Nagel, introduced the report and responded to questions raised by the Committee's experts.
The experts from Colombia, United States, Poland, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Argentina, Italy, Mauritius, Japan and India also posed questions.
The Committee will meet again this afternoon at 3 p.m. to continue its consideration of Costa Rica's report.
Committee Work Programme
The Human Rights Committee met this morning to begin consideration of the fourth periodic report submitted by Costa Rica (document CCPR/C/103/Add.6). Under article 40 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all States parties agree to submit periodic reports on their compliance with the agreement's 53 articles.
The report states that, in compliance with article 1, concerning self- determination, Costa Rica, as a depositary State of the four Geneva Conventions on the protection of victims of war and their two additional protocols, the country promotes respect for the rights of the human person and humanitarian law. The Government also adopted legislation to provide direct protection of the right to free enjoyment and use of Costa Rica's national wealth. Among those are the Wild Animals Protection Act, the Forestry Act and its regulations, and the Protection of Archaeological Riches Act. Improper exploitation of those resources, the report continues, is sanctioned by imprisonment or a fine under the country's criminal code.
In addressing compliance with article 2, the report outlines the measures the Government has taken to ensure to all in its territory and subject to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the Covenant, without distinction of any kind. The report points out that article 7 of the Constitution states that the international agreements approved by the Legislative Assembly shall take precedence over national legislation. Thus, Costa Rica has accorded to its international legal obligations, a higher status as a means of protection. Recent amendments and provisions have been adopted to allow for the punishment, under the law, of any person who violates the human rights recognized in the treaties signed by Costa Rica and in the Criminal Code. If the offence is repeated, the court may also impose, as an additional penalty, suspension from public posts or positions for a period of between 15 and 60 days.
The report goes on to say that minors, too, have the status of subjects of rights, a status carrying with it the exercise of the fundamental rights to equality and protection against every kind of discrimination. The country is preparing to discuss the problem of juvenile delinquency, in connection with the enactment of the Juvenile Criminal Justice Act. The Act is designed to promote a change of outlook on the part of the persons working with minors who are subject to supervision by the courts.
The Constitution accords a higher status to Costa Rica's legal system because the other public organs and private subjects which co-exist within its system are subject to it, the report states. This condition is essential to any system in which the democratic principle has a decisive influence on legislation. The remedies of amparo and habeas corpus offer adequate safeguards of fundamental rights in accordance with the obligation of States
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to provide effective remedies against any violation of the internationally recognized human rights. When the perpetrator of a violation of the rights and freedoms of others is a private individual, the victim may use those remedies and bring the proceedings before the Constitutional Chamber.
Habeas corpus, according to the Costa Rican Constitution, has a dual status. It constitutes a procedural guarantee by providing a procedural means of protecting the right to physical freedom and the right of movement. It is also a fundamental right inherent in the human person. However, since the process of habeas corpus was established to provide protection of rights that are highly valued in society or very important to harmonious co-existence in society, the legal system denies the injured party the option of deciding whether the offender shall be punished.
The remedy of amparo is also provided for under the Constitution and establishes the right of any person to use it to maintain or re-establish his enjoyment of the other fundamental rights that are embodied in the Constitution, except for the right to freedom. That is provided for under habeas corpus. The report adds that the constitutional right to amparo is based on two principles that are initially opposed to each other - authority and freedom. The law fixes, reasonably and prudently, the limits of power.
Therefore, an amparo action may be brought at any time, as long as the violation, threat, disruption or restriction persists, and for two months after its direct effects on the injured party have totally ceased. With regard to property rights, the action must be brought within two months of the violation. The report adds that amparo proceedings are brought against an individual when ordinary legal remedies are clearly insufficient or too slow to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms. Further, amparo proceedings may be brought only with respect to acts of an authority, civil servant or public employee who violate, or threaten to violate, the rights embodied in the Constitution.
In recognizing the rights as identified in article 3 of the Covenant, which provides for equal rights for men and women, the report states that legislation has been adopted to ensure enjoyment of those right by all of the country's citizens. Among those is the adoption of the Sexual Harassment Act, the enactment of the Family Code and the establishment of the related courts. Costa Rica is the first country on the American continent to create specific protection for the family. The National Centre for Women and the Family is currently being modernized in fulfilment of an amendment to the Promotion of the Social Equality of Women to broaden its role and scope, and specifically to establish its coordination role with respect to the new ministerial offices for women which are being created in the State.
Concerning article 7 of the Covenant, which provides for protection against torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the
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report points out that article 40 of the Costa Rican Constitution states: "Nobody shall be subjected to cruel or degrading treatment or sentenced to life imprisonment or to confiscation of property". The report further states that the Government is aware that the fight against torture is a national and international duty. For that reason, Costa Rica, along with Switzerland, took an initiative concerning the draft optional protocol to the Convention against Torture, which provided for the establishment of an international subcommittee of independent experts who were authorized to make visits at any time to places housing persons deprived of their freedom by decision of a public authority.
The report also outlines the measures Costa Rica has undertaken to guarantee the rights of persons deprived of their liberty, as provided for in article 10 of the Covenant. In January 1998, the new Code of Penal Procedure entered into force. This new code resulted in the penal procedure being transformed into a tool for settling disputes, with the government's attorneys playing a much more prominent part. This means that prosecution of the accused has been replaced by an investigation mechanism controlled by the office of the Attorney-General, which will strengthen due process.
In 1990, the Government regulated the functions of the Office for the Protection of Male and Female Detainees of the Prison System, making it responsible for guaranteeing the human rights of the inmates and the proper implementation of the minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners established by the United Nations. The Office of the Protector of the Inhabitants, or ombudsman, was converted in February 1994 into a programme for the promotion of human rights attached to the Ministry of Justice and Pardons. In compliance with the article, the report says that a preliminary draft law on the execution of sentences is currently being reviewed, aimed at meeting the basic needs of the convicted or accused person and thus minimizing the adverse effects that a prison sentence could have on his future life.
The Government also ensures that the religious beliefs of prisoners are respected, the report states. It also provides services - medical and dental care, education, work opportunities, remuneration, psychological treatment, recreation, family and conjugal visits, crèches for prisoners' children, and so on. Further, the report states, all those deprived of liberty enjoy the same personal, social and economic rights like the other citizens of the State, except for those rights which are incompatible with their imprisonment itself.
The report also outlines Costa Rica's compliance with article 13 of the Covenant, which provides for the rights of aliens who are lawfully in the territory of a State party. The report notes article 19 of its Constitution, which gives aliens "the same individual and social duties and rights as Costa Ricans". Similarly, article 31 establishes the right to asylum for those
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suffering political persecution. Also, there is a special extradition act with a series of safeguards for the alien.
The reports points out that there are about 350,000 Central Americans who have asked for refuge and asylum in Costa Rica. As a result, the Government established the National Commission for Refugees. In addition, the Specialized Government Agency for Refugees, General Directorate for Refugee Protection and Assistance, which provides legal, economic, social and administrative protection for refugees, was also established. Furthermore, with the agreement of various government institutions, immigration procedures have been established to deal with the situation of the refugees.
The right to privacy, as determined under article 17 of the Covenant, is guaranteed by the Constitution, the report states. Respect for that right is restrictive on the State save for exceptions for which legal provision is made proportional to the end in view. It goes on to say that the individual is free to develop, in his own way, provided that he does not break the law. It notes that the private sphere, referred to in the Constitution, embraces health, religion and professional or private relations with other individuals.
In addressing article 18, which provides for the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the report states that freedom of expression, as provided for in the Constitution, is not absolute and has a limit, so that abuse of this right will render its perpetrator liable to the law. It further states that the Constitutional Court has reiterated that the principle of freedom of expression requires that neither individuals nor groups should be excluded in advance from access to the media of social communication. It also notes that freedom of expression requires that the media should be instruments of that freedom and not vehicles for its restrictions.
With regard to freedom of religion, the report says that although the apostolic Roman Catholic religion is the designated State religion, the Constitution reaffirms the freedom of worship. However, the provisions governing matters of religion are incomplete in Costa Rica's legislation.
Article 23 of the Covenant states that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. The report states that, in accordance with the article, there is an ample legislative system for protection of the family, as well as institutions that support the family in Costa Rica. It goes on to say that it has been constitutionally established that the family, as a natural element and basis of society, is entitled to special protection from the State. That right shall likewise be possessed by mothers, children, the elderly and the sick and destitute. The Family Code has stipulated that the husband shall be mainly financially responsible for the family, with the wife, if she is able, proportionally supportive. Divorce may not be requested until three years
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after marriage, and separation by mutual consent may not be requested until after two.
In addressing article 24, which deals with the rights of the child, the report states that every person in Costa Rica, and therefore every minor, enjoys civil rights. Consequently, everybody has equal capacity to be subject to rights and duties, within the limits of the law. The report also notes that there are several prohibitions and regulations concerning the marriage of minors, that trade in minors is a punishable offence and that the abduction of a minor from the parents or guardians is also an offence.
Finally, the report states that in compliance with article 27, which concerns the rights of ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities, Costa Rica has acceded to the Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries, adopted by the General Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1989. The Convention offers institutions of assistance in opposing discrimination against indigenous peoples and gives a categorical definition of the way the State should handle the problems of discrimination against indigenous people. Further, the Legislative Assembly is considering draft legislation entitled "Act on the autonomous development of the indigenous peoples," which will define relations between the native communities and the State and establish a framework for their autonomous development.
Introduction of Report
MONICA NAGEL, Minister of Justice of Costa Rica, began by responding to written questions that had been provided by the Committee's experts. With regard to several questions relating to the rights of individuals as provided for in the Covenant, she informed the Committee that Costa Rica tried to use most of the country's budget for education and health.
In response to a question on why the Constitution did not address habeas corpus and amparo against subjects of private law, she said amparo was far more extensive than habeas corpus in terms of judicial application. In constitutional law, it explicitly set out actions and omissions in private law. She added that habeas corpus was not as discriminatory as it seemed, since it was intended to protect the rights of Costa Rica's citizens. It was up to the police or other legal bodies to verify that habeas corpus was carried out. Meanwhile, a victim of human rights abuses could refer to either ordinary recourse in the law or amparo.
Continuing, she said there was no need for a human rights commission in Costa Rica, since other parties were there to carry out those functions. The ombudsman was created to deal with the protection of human rights. In Costa Rica, she noted, human rights was one of the essential elements -- of equity, social justice and fairness. The ombudsman there had a far-reaching objective
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-- to promote and accomplish the objectives of the rights of citizens. The ombudsman must protect community interest and Costa Rican citizens. In 1994, there had been over 2,000 complaints to the ombudsman, an indication that citizens were confident of the office.
She stated that there had been much progress in terms of gender equality in Costa Rica since 1994. In response to a question from the Committee on that matter, she responded that in the Government the first and second vice- presidents were women and four currently held ministerial portfolios. Twenty-five per cent of the legislature was made up of women. The Ministry of Women's Affairs, the first of its type, was created in 1998 and legal and political status was created for the National Institute of Women. The Ministry had an equal opportunity national plan, one to prevent domestic violence and another to combat poverty. There were more than 90 committees in different parts of the country to represent women's issues.
The Ministry was established to protect and prevent gender equality problems that Costa Rica had experienced in the past, she continued. It would train persons to deal with those problems, and it would protect women's rights as enshrined in the treaties and covenants to which the country had acceded. The Ministry also provided protection for women in the social arena. The Women's Delegation, an institution under the Ministry of Justice, created one year ago, provides legal advice, individual therapy and reintegration into society for women.
With regard to how women were provided for in the country's Labour Code, she said it was very modern and favoured women. Equality in labour affairs was guaranteed in the text of the Constitution, as was equal pay for equal work.
On the incidence of violence against women, she stated that it was definitely a problem. The Government was taking a series of measures to combat the problem. However, it was difficult, since the State could not enter the home. Four years ago, a law was adopted to combat the problem and there were several decrees created to provide protection against domestic violence.
Regarding the outcome of the police investigation into the shooting incident of November 1997 which resulted in the death of two persons in the Golfito region of Costa Rica -- one Costa Rican and one American -- She said her Government had looked for solutions to the illegal possession of land, which had contributed to problems in the 1970s and 1980s. At that time, land was distributed without any legal basis and was sold to both nationals and foreigners. Some of that land was part of the maritime public, however, and should never have been sold. Regarding the 1997 case, an American family had owned property that was part of the public domain. An armed conflict had taken place between an American citizen and a Costa Rican, and both had died.
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The Government, she continued, had put the incident before the courts of justice, since they were the only bodies who could mount an investigation. In the absence of regulating plans for the distribution of land, two were currently being established to define the maritime area. A police unit had also been set up to keep order in the Golfito region. The accused person in the 1997 incident, a Costa Rican, was absolved of the offence, since it was decided that he was defending himself.
Regarding pre-trial detention, she said 79 per cent of the people in prison had received sentences, and another 22 per cent was pending. Pre-trial detention had been reduced. Public authorities could only detain a person when the presence of the accused was deemed necessary, when there was a possibility of the accused fleeing or when the presence of the accused was required in the investigation of a crime.
Regarding detainees who were held incommunicado, she said a person could not be detained for more than 48 hours, unless a judge sanctioned the detention. Addressing the rights of detainees, she said her country was one of the Latin American countries that protected those rights. Costa Rica followed the principle that a person was innocent until proven otherwise. Any detainee had the right to contact his or her lawyer if the detention exceeded 48 hours.
Turning to the issue of overcrowding in prisons, she said there were now 1,600 people in the prisons. That figure was due to problems of classification and infrastructure. However, a plan related to the latter was being implemented. A new prison had been opened last week and there were plans to build another. In a country with large number of poor people, health and education were the priorities and sometimes penal institutions were left behind.
Commenting on the right to appeal, she said that process was guaranteed to all detainees and was part of the trial process.
Questions by Experts
PILAR GAITAN DE POMBO, expert from Colombia, wanted clarification on the authority of the civil guard and the police. She also wanted to know who regulated those bodies. In addition, she questioned the status of refugees in the country.
MAXWELL YALDEN, expert from Canada, said Costa Rica's report was more comprehensive in its presentation of laws and regulations than in its presentation of the enjoyment of rights. Sufficient attention was not given to the actual practice of rights. In that context, he welcomed the figures provided on the implementation of the Covenant, but would still like some indication of results, if such data was available. He knew that there were a
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large number of complaints submitted each month, but he did not know what happened to them.
On the situation of women, he said the report gave no concrete data on the participation of women in the work force, and in particular their participation in the education sector. He wanted to know whether there was an independent agency, outside of the Government, to trace matters related to women's employment. He also expressed interested in learning whether there was training in human rights for the police, security officials and prison staff to ensure that the rights of detainees were respected.
THOMAS BUERGENTHAL, expert from the United States, said that Costa Rica possessed an excellent human rights record. It did have some human rights problems, as indicated in the report, but it worked very hard to remedy those problems. Not long ago, a number of Venezuelan robbers were flown out of the country without being able to seek recourse to law and there were similar cases reported in the past. How did the Government deal with that and was there a policy adopted to prevent that from occurring again? he asked.
Continuing, he asked if there was a bail system and requested that the delegation give some information on how long a detainee was held before being charged. In relation to the 1998 amendment of the Constitution where it provided for the establishment of the Supreme Court, he said there was no reference to the Covenant being invoked in the justice system.
ROMAN WIERUSZEWSKI, expert from Poland, said the report did not indicate what the real human rights situation was in Costa Rica. He said neither legal nor constitutional rights were addressed in compliance with the Covenant. Also, he needed to know in what areas were the complaints to the ombudsman concentrated and how much access did non-citizens have to that office. In particular, he requested more information on the basis of claims of actions of unconstitutionality and needed to know who could use that claim. Also, what had been the role of non-governmental organizations in the preparation and dissemination of the Costa Rica report?
Lord COLVILLE, expert from the United Kingdom, said he regretted that in the report's presentation the delegation had not explained Costa Rica's excellent human rights record. On the other hand, the Committee had requested that the State provide more details on those persons whose rights were violated, especially in the area of preventive detention. Those rights, as required by article 9 of the Covenant, had always been a problem in Costa Rica, but the report had not now provided adequate information on persons in detention. He noted that paragraph 223 of the report indicated that the law in Costa Rica did provide compensation to certain of those persons. However, there were some lapses in information. The report did not explain the actual remedies for persons in that situation. He requested that the delegation provide actual statistics in its response.
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ECKART KLEIN, expert from Germany, asked why, in relation to article 6 of the Covenant, Costa Rica's Constitution did not provide for any restrictions to that right -- the inherent right to life. All countries had rules concerning the use of weapons by police that might result in death of a person. The Committee needed to know whether there was a possibility, in Costa Rica, to deprive persons of their lives arbitrarily. What were the rules providing for such a possibility? he asked. In relation to article 16, concerning the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law, he had problems with the suggestion of a modification of the rights as expressed in the report.
CHRISTINE CHANET, expert from France, said she could not understand why the guidelines of the Committee were not being respected by the State in the preparation of its report. There was a lack of precision. She noted that the same problem had existed in the country's presentation of its second and third reports.
In relation to compliance with article 4 of the Covenant, she asked, what should be understood by evident public needs in terms of an emergency, and what would be the criteria of evidence and proportionality to determine that state, and what authority would make that decision? On the protection of life as provided for in article 7 of the Covenant, what were the measures taken against the prevention of torture? She also requested additional information on the new Criminal Code.
HIPOLITO SOLARI YRIGOYEN, expert from Argentina, said the report was detailed and fair in its provisions and in compliance with the guidelines of the Committee. He also shared the concerns on labour participation and definition of skills of women. However, with regard to respect for life, he did not know whether Costa Rica had complied with the jurisdiction as expressed in article 14 the Covenant. Had the new Criminal Code been put into effect? he asked.
FAUSTO POCAR, expert from Italy, said Costa Rica had, in its current report, referred quite extensively to case law, especially in the area of pre- trial detention. However, it had not given specific consequences of any case. In that light, he wondered what precautions and burdens were put on the lawyers who were present at the interrogation of a detainee. He noted that the right to appeal had been included in the report and wondered whether it was a provision of the new Criminal Code. If so, when had the Code been implemented? he asked.
RAJSOOMER LALLAH, expert from Mauritius, said that the report made reference to actions of unconstitutionality, but it should have extended the paragraph to include what kinds of violations comprised those actions. That, he said, would help to determine the effectiveness of that provision. On a separate provision of the Covenant, he noted that the Government had indicated
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that the building of prisons was unimportant. He did not understand how it could also be stated that the Government was providing loans for that process. He sought reassurance that the prison system had not been privatized.
ELIZABETH EVATT, expert from Australia, while commending Costa Rica for its attitude towards human rights, said its fourth report lacked data and information on the progress made in the achievement of rights and how they were negotiated in practice.
Citing the equality of women, she said the report suggested that discrimination and inequality resulted largely from cultural attitudes by males. The consequence of that was that women were more affected by poverty. Such attitudes also affected the level of protection against violence and abuse. Moreover, it was not clear whether strict legal equality had been applied. She also asked if there had been any change to the law or the grounds under which legal abortion could be obtained.
On the infringement of prisoners' rights and the need for new policies for female prisoners, she wanted to know whether such policies were being put in place, and if so, what progress was being made. She also expressed concern over the idea of the privatization of prisons, since such a practice could impede the State's application of its responsibilities under the Covenant.
DAVID KRETZMER, expert from Israel, said while the report was rich in detail on legal and constitutional agreements, it was lacking in details that were taking place on the ground. On the issue of women, he wanted to know what kind of specific remedy existed for a woman who was subject to domestic violence. Was there a legal measure to protect her, such as an injunction or restraining order? He also asked for clarification on Costa Rica's punishment of exile, which was mentioned in the report.
ABDELFATTAH AMOR, expert from Tunisia, commended Costa Rica on its very active role in promoting and protecting human rights. However, while the report was very dense, with a lot of information, and profound in its analyses, there were sections in which it became academic. He would have preferred a situation in which the practical aspects were not concealed by an academic theoretical presentation.
Regarding young people, especially the marginalized, he wanted to know what the age of majority was with regard to penal affairs. What measures could be taken to prevent marginalization of children and to make sure that there were fewer and fewer offenses by that sector of society? he asked. While much had been said about gender issues, had application of the relevant Covenant articles on affirmative action and the removal of discrimination led to any positive action in Costa Rica? If so, could examples be given.
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NISUKE ANDO, expert from Japan, said there was need for more information on the practice of human rights in Costa Rica. Based on the country's constitutional provisions, there was equality before the law. He asked if there was any area of labour where women were excluded. He also requested information on the percentage of female workers in different industries and their percentage in educational institutions. Addressing the issue of family matters, he wanted to know the marriageable age for boys and girls and data on matrimonial property arrangements.
PRAFULLACHANDRA NATWARLAL BHAGWATI, expert from India, said Costa Rica's report lacked precision and guidance in terms of its compliance with the Covenant. He wondered whether the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court also had the power to enforce Covenant rights directly and inquired whether there was possibility of appeal to the higher court existed. On the issue of pre-trial detention, he wondered what were the possibilities for a speedy trial. What changes in the court structure would be brought about by the implementation of the new Criminal Code? he asked.
Answers to Written Questions by Experts
Ms. NAGEL, Minister of Justice of Costa Rica, said, in response to the question the Committee asked on homosexual relations, that the political Constitution provided for the equality of all men in the law. There was a law in place that could impose a penalty against anyone who violated the rights of those persons. She stated that two churches had recently been prosecuted for making discriminatory statements against a homosexual group.
Responding to a question on compliance with freedoms as expressed in article 18 of the Covenant, she stated that in Costa Rica there was freedom of creed regulated by the Constitution. There was no religious discrimination. At present, in the Legislative Assembly, there was a bill providing for religious rights presented by a deputy who professed the evangelical religion. It would reform a law in which parents could request that their children not take religious subjects in school. Another important aspect was that non- Catholic marriages could be considered legal. At present, in Costa Rica only Catholic marriages were recognized without a civil ceremony. She noted that the bill did not waive the authority of the Bishops, it merely extended the authority to other religious groups as well.
With regard to the reform of labour legislation, which the Committee had recommended at Costa Rica's presentation of its third report, she said that freedom of association was ensured for all workers. They were allowed to join unions and associations voluntarily. However, if an employer presented an impediment, the worker could seek recourse not only in the labour court, but in another court as well.
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The President of Costa Rica had become involved in matters related to child prostitution and abuse, she said. She emphasized that all efforts had been made to reaffirm the commitment of the State to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Some months ago, the National Board of the Child was created by decree. That was a body consisting of over 20 non-governmental organizations and government agencies, since the only way to combat those phenomena was to work in a coordinated way.
At the political level, they were considered a priority of the Government, she added. At the legal level, there was a bill to redefine crimes and, through its implementation, there was the possibility of increasing penalties for those who exploited children. Also, non-documented persons who had exploited children had been extradited. The Costa Rican Board of Tourism had also been incorporated in the fight against exploitation of children. In response to the Committee's question on the status of the National Institute for Children, she stated that it had become an autonomous institution, independent of the Government. Its main obligation was to guarantee the rights of and provide protection for children, young persons and the family.
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