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LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

February 7, 2024

Can Costa Rica Lower its Soaring Rate of Crime?

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves last month proposed new legislation to improve security in the Central American country. // File Photo: Facebook Page of Rodrigo Chaves.

Q

  • In an effort to fight a soaring crime rate, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves’ government on Jan. 23 proposed a package of legislation to improve security. Among the proposals are lengthening jail sentences for minors, extending preventative detention and allowing extraditions. The country’s homicide rate jumped 40 percent last year. What are the main causes of Costa Rica’s soaring crime rate, and how effective will Chaves’ legislation be in fighting it? What are the most important measures he is proposing, and how likely are they to become law? To what extent do the proposed security measures present human rights concerns?

A

Catalina Crespo-Sancho, ambassador of Costa Rica to the United States: “The Latin American and Caribbean region faces significant security threats, primarily stemming from drug trafficking cartels and organized crime gangs, which contribute to high levels of violence in the region. In response to these challenges, Costa Rica has implemented various preventive measures. For instance, containers leaving the Caribbean port are 100 percent scanned and, by 2024, containers leaving the Pacific port will also undergo 100 percent scanning. Effectively addressing security threats also entails strengthening the rule of law and enacting laws that adequately address the country’s needs. Costa Rica’s longstanding commitment to human rights is reflected in the robustness of…”

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The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.
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