“Without funding, asylum seekers are left in limbo-undocumented, not taken care of and increasingly desperate,” said Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, assistant protection high commissioner.
His comments follow a reduction in the budget of 41% of the operations of the United Nations agency in the country which have had devastating consequences. “” It is not luxury; The assistance we delete is critical and vital“, She insisted.
The Nation of Central America today welcomes more than 200,000 refugees and asylum seekers – reaching almost four percent of its population.
More than eight in 10 are Nicaraguafleeing the deepening of political and social disorders linked to serious allegations of “systemic repression”, According to independent rights experts Report to Human Rights Council.
Despite economic constraints, Costa Rica continued to offer security and hope to those who escape persecution, Hcr said.
Safe areas at risk
During a recent official tour of Costa Rica, Ms. Menikdiwela described the meeting of Aboriginal women Miskito who had fled sexist violence and established safe spaces, despite the linguistic and cultural barriers. “Their courage is humiliating,” she said. ” But The loss of services threatens everything they have tried to rebuild. “”
The United Nations agency has warned that legal support, mental health services, education, vocational training and child protection initiatives have already been reduced or suspended.
Many were suitable for vulnerable women and children in remote areas.
No right to employment, school or health care
Due to the cuts, the capacity to record new arrivals dropped by 77%. But without documentation, refugees cannot work legally, go to school or access health care. With more than 222,000 complaints back, some cases can now take up to seven years to deal with.
“Government’s advocacy was simple,” said Ms. Menikdiwela. “” Help us help these people “.”
Costa Rica has long played a leadership role in regional and global refugee protective frameworks. But this solidarity is now extended to Breaking Point, said the United Nations agency, in a call of $ 40.4 million to maintain operations in the Rica country until 2025.
“This is a brutal reminder that protection must be supported by resources,” warned Ms. Menikdiwela. “If the international community does not approach, the consequences will be serious – Not only for those already in Costa Rica – but also for stability in the region in the broad sense. “”
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
