Costa Rica: Anti-xenophobia march August 25 in San José /update 1

Event

Several civil society groups plan to march in the capital San José on Saturday, August 25. The march, to denounce xenophobia, was planned in response to a violent protest held on August 18 to decry the influx of Nicaraguan refugees in the country. Demonstrators will depart simultaneously from the University of Costa Rica and from Parque de la Merced at 10:00 (local time), converging at Plaza de la Democracia. An increased security presence and transportation disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the protest. Clashes cannot be ruled out, particularly in the event of counter-protests.

Context

Approximately 500 people participated in the August 18 march, during which skirmishes broke out between Costa Rican protesters and Nicaraguan migrants. Police arrested 44 people for their roles in the violence. Police also seized eight Molotov cocktails and approximately 20 guns.

Costa Rica has experienced an influx of Nicaraguan migrants amid an ongoing political crisis in Nicaragua. At least 317 people have been killed and thousands wounded in the unrest since mid-April. Around 23,000 people have fled the country. Activists accuse the Nicaraguan government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

Advice

Individuals in Costa Rica, particularly in San José, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.