| For a summary of Costa Rica’s review at the second cycle please click here. |
6th UPR session
Date of review: 8 December 2009
Date of report adoption: 4 January 2010
Document number: A/HRC/13/15
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SUMMARY SOGIESC issues during Costa Rica’s 1st UPR review |
I. SOGIESC issues/recommendations identified by NGOs
Equality and non-discrimination
10. Según Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI), hay reglamentos y normas en las que no se respeta la identidad personal de la población transgénero. Por ejemplo, a la hora de solicitar el documento de identidad, a las personas trans femeninas se les niega la posibilidad de tomarse la fotografía maquilladas y poner en la sección de “conocido como” el nombre elegido. SRI añade que la comunidad lésbica, bisexual, gay y transgénero enfrenta violaciones a sus derechos laborales y es agredida psicológica y físicamente cuando circula por las calles del país. También indica que a la población trans se le rechaza como solicitante de servicios en los lugares de concurrencia pública, incluyendo hospitales y centros educativos, y que es particularmente vulnerable con respecto a las detenciones arbitrarias que realiza la policía. SRI recomendó, entre otros, que se generen capacitaciones dirigidas al personal de seguridad pública en el tema de las orientaciones sexuales y las identidades o expresiones de género.
Right to privacy, marriage and family life
25. JS1 [JS1] indicó que las familias migrantes ven amenazado su derecho a la reunificación familiar, siendo uno de los principales obstáculos la irregularidad migratoria e indocumentación.
26. Según el Centro de Investigación y Promoción para América Central de Derechos Humanos (CIPAC), la discriminación contra la población lésbica, gay y bisexual se encuentra presente en casos como la sanción de la homosexualidad por mayores de 17 años cuando se practica “en forma escandalosa”, siendo que la expresión “forma escandalosa” queda a la libre interpretación de los policías o de los jueces. CIPAC también mencionó el Programa de Vivienda, en el que hay que tener un núcleo familiar tradicional heterosexual para conseguir casa financiada por los órganos estatales. Además, en los procesos sucesorios, en caso de fallecimiento sin testamento o voluntad expresa, no se contempla la unión de personas del mismo sexo ni reconoce sus derechos, entre otros.
II. Excerpts on SOGIESC issues from the national report
No references.
III. Excerpts on SOGIESC issues by UN agencies
Right to life, liberty and security of the person
15. In 2008, CAT welcomed the legislative reform of 2001 criminalizing torture and noted that no convictions had been handed down for this crime under the new law. The Committee was concerned that some possible cases of torture had been investigated as abuses of authority despite their gravity and about reports that victims and witnesses were not provided with adequate protection. CAT recommended that legislation on torture be effectively applied. It also expressed concern at reports of sexual abuse and physical violence against homosexual and transsexual prisoners. […]
Right to privacy, marriage and family life
27. En 2009, UNCT indicó que la Comisión de Derechos Humanos parlamentaria aprobó un proyecto de ley que reconoce la unión civil de parejas del mismo sexo y tutela sus derechos patrimoniales. Añadió que este ha sido un tema polémico a nivel nacional y en el debate se ha mencionado llevar dicho proyecto a referéndum, lo cuál podría implicar someter a consulta derechos fundamentales.
IV. References to SOGIESC issues during the Working Group review
27. Austria […] commended Costa Rica for the abolishment of the criminalization of homosexuals and transgender persons.
42. Costa Rica further noted that it seeks to fight all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. 17 May was declared as the National Day against Homophobia. The delegation also referred to improvements in human rights training to protect vulnerable groups, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals.
46. France […] welcomed the support by Costa Rica to the resolution of the Organisation of American States on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity.
55. United Kingdom […] noted that the 1996 law on equality for disabled persons appeared insufficient and would welcome action to change perceptions towards disabled people, as well as towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups.
V. Conclusions and/or recommendations
Costa Rica accepted the following recommendations:
89.20. Ensure sufficient resources for effective functioning of its national preventive mechanism provided for in the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) and further strengthen mechanisms for independent investigation of alleged cases of torture and for effective access of victims to remedies with special attention to protection of women, children and persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity (Czech Republic);
91.4 Bearing in mind the protective and advanced nature of the legislation against discrimination, intensify measures intended to protect free sexual orientation and sexual identity through specific educational initiatives and awareness-raising for all society, to facilitate documentation for transsexual people in line with their identity and to guarantee access to public services without discrimination (Spain).
Costa Rica noted the following recommendations:
89.3. Join the 67 States that have signed the joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity (France);
89.16 Pursue its efforts in favour of gays, lesbians and transsexuals (France);
91.5. Undertake an awareness-raising campaign to address discrimination against homosexuals and transgender persons (Austria).
VI. Further information
You will find all documents relating to Costa Rica’s first review at UPR-Info and OHCHR’s websites.