UK support helps Costa Rica strengthen its fight against human trafficking
A UK-funded project with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) helps Costa Rica tackle human trafficking.
At a school in Los Chiles, close to Costa Rica’s northern border, children, teachers and community leaders came together to talk about how trafficking can be recognised, prevented and reported.
For many, the session turned a difficult and often hidden issue into something practical – signposting warning signs to look for, where to seek help, and how communities can protect those most at risk.
This was one part of a UK-funded project, delivered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Costa Rica, to strengthen the country’s response to trafficking in persons. Bringing together government institutions, the private sector and local communities, the initiative aimed to build a more co-ordinated system for identifying vulnerable people, providing protection and preventing exploitation.
Across the country, the initiative also worked with the tourism sector to strengthen safeguarding measures and reinforce its role in prevention and early identification.
The British Ambassador, Edward Stevens, said:
Trafficking in persons often begins when people are made invisible. This project has helped strengthen the people and systems that can recognise the signs, respond safely and connect those at risk with the right support. The UK is proud to have worked with IOM and Costa Rican partners to support a more co-ordinated, people-centred response to trafficking and modern slavery.
The project reflects the UK’s commitment to tackling modern slavery through practical partnerships that strengthen prevention and protection. It highlights the importance of a whole-of-society approach, bringing together government, emergency services, the tourism sector and local communities.
The initiative was delivered in co-ordination with Costa Rican partners, including the National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (CONATT), the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the Ministry of Public Security and the Migration Directorate (DGME).
The project concluded with an activity held on 3 August to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July. This year a new guide was launched (Spanish only) to help tourism sector workers prevent, detect and report human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.