Costa Rica will increase its Financial Contributions to the CIDH despite Financial Crisis

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) is facing the worst financial crisis in its history. It will therefore be forced to lay off 40% of its staff and cease operation if nearly two million is not received by June 15th.

Costa Rica currently contributes $ 30,000 annually to the Organization of American States (OAS), which in turn allocates 6% of contributions from States to the Commission on Human Rights. Costa Rica performs "their best even within a difficult fiscal situation" to increase their financial contribution to the Commission and to continue its "important work of promotion and protection of human rights on the continent".

Costa Rica, in addition to the figure contributed annually to the OAS, provides $ 3,000 to the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.

Foreign minister, Manuel Gonzalez, declared: "Costa Rica makes a respectful call to member countries as an important body to review and reconsider the annual economic contributions made and thus provide greater stability and allow the Commission to continue to work in the best conditions”.

The Costa Rican Foreign Ministry met May 30th in New York with the Executive Secretary of the CIDH, Emilio Sanchez, in order to discuss the situation further.