Costa Rica

UNHCR’s work in Costa Rica focuses on responding to displacement driven by crises in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and the north of Central America. The country hosts over 280,000 forcibly displaced, including thousands of asylum-seekers from Nicaragua and Venezuela. Since 2018, Costa Rica has received over 300,000 Nicaraguans seeking asylum, placing significant pressure on the asylum system and essential services.

To address growing needs, UNHCR expanded its presence with a Field Office in Upala, near the Nicaraguan border, supporting border monitoring, emergency assistance, protection, and local integration. A Field Unit in San José was also established to provide humanitarian support, including cash assistance and access to medical insurance for vulnerable individuals, in partnership with Costa Rica’s Social Security system.

UNHCR supports the Government in strengthening its asylum system, including refugee status determination, child protection, and prevention of gender-based violence. It also engages in regional coordination through platforms such as MIRPS, MINARE, and R4V, and contributes to the Safe Mobility initiative, offering legal pathways to third countries. 

With increased mixed movements, UNHCR continues to work to ensure access to territory, documentation, and fair procedures for all those in need of international protection.