UN Refugee Chief Calls for Greater Global Support for Costa Rica and Nicaraguan Refugees

The visit comes as Costa Rica continues to receive large numbers of asylum seekers fleeing political repression, violence and human rights abuses in Nicaragua.

 

During an official visit to Costa Rica, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi reaffirmed UNHCR’s long-term commitment to protecting refugees and enhancing integration efforts across Central America. The visit comes as Costa Rica continues to receive large numbers of asylum seekers fleeing political repression, violence and human rights abuses in Nicaragua.

Costa Rica remains the primary asylum destination for Nicaraguans in the region. As of late October, the country hosts 207,456 people in need of protection, and 85% are Nicaraguan nationals. Despite the scale of displacement, humanitarian funding and international political attention remain disproportionately low.

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Firsthand Testimonies Highlight Human Rights Crisis

Grandi met with asylum seekers who described severe and ongoing abuses in Nicaragua, including:

• Forced displacement of Indigenous communities

• Confiscation of property and burning of homes

• Environmental destruction linked to mining and logging

• Harassment, surveillance and threats to political critics

• Persecution of journalists, faith leaders and human rights defenders

Some refugees reported ongoing intimidation outside Nicaragua’s borders, reflecting a concerning pattern of transnational repression.

“These stories clearly fall under the international refugee protection framework,” Grandi said. “People are not leaving by choice — they are fleeing fear and threats to their safety.”

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Recognition of Costa Rica’s Leadership — and Its Limits

The High Commissioner praised Costa Rica for maintaining open asylum policies, progress on work permit reforms, and efforts to modernize the asylum system despite strained capacity.

However, with asylum claims rising and resources tightening, processing delays continue to grow. Costa Rica’s asylum system currently faces significant backlog challenges, and families often wait years for decisions.

UNHCR funding for 2025 has already experienced reductions, but Grandi stated the agency will continue supporting:

• Digitization of asylum procedures

• Social and economic inclusion programs

• Local partnerships ensuring access to housing, education and employment

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Renewed Appeal for International Support

Grandi issued a strong appeal to governments, donors and regional partners to increase financial backing, technical support and long-term investment in Costa Rica’s refugee response.

“Costa Rica has done its part — now the world must match its generosity with resources,” he urged. “Protecting refugees is a shared responsibility, not a burden one nation should carry alone.”

With migration dynamics in the Americas shifting rapidly, the High Commissioner emphasized the need for predictable regional cooperation, including pathways for resettlement, employment and humanitarian admission.

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Refugees Contribute to Host Communities

Despite trauma and uncertainty, many displaced Nicaraguans are already rebuilding their lives. According to UNHCR and Costa Rican authorities, refugees are contributing to the country’s workforce, cultural life and local economies—particularly in sectors facing labor shortages.

“When given safety, documentation and opportunity,” Grandi noted, “refugees become contributors — not recipients — of development.”