Costa Rica
We accompanied Costa Rica through assistance to its Drug Observatory and community treatment in two localities on the Atlantic coast and the Caribbean.
In addition, we have collaborated on its platform for information exchange and the social use of assets seized from drug trafficking, as well as on improving alternative penalties for women in conflict with the law for minor drug offences.
How do we support the country?
Strengthening drug observatories
Community treatment in vulnerable territories
Implementation of an evaluation of Costa Rica’s 2017–2025 drug policies, focusing on prevention programmes, treatment of problematic drug use, and restorative justice, as well as on a cost study. The Evaluation Analysis Guide for Drug Policies from a Gender and Human Rights Perspective, published by COPOLAD, has been used.
Incorporation of the gender approach in operational tools of the Costa Rican Drug Observatory (OCD), through: a research protocol on the experiences of women leaving the shelters of the National Child Welfare Agency (PANI); and the design of a survey on psychoactive substance use among adult women in prison.
2 pilot community treatment projects in the communities of Limón and Punta Arenas, aimed at vulnerable populations aged 13 to 18, to articulate basic health and employment services, public security and human security.
In this context, a Support Guide has been developed for building intervention and follow-up protocols in the territory for vulnerable populations with a gender approach.
Fight against drug trafficking and organised crime
Humanisation of justice in drug-related offences
The encrypted information exchange platform of the Asset Recovery Network (RRAG) of the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT) has been strengthened in operational and cybersecurity aspects. As the operational headquarters of the network, Costa Rica’s Drug Institute (ICD) manages this platform.
As a result, in 2024 there was an increase of 27% and 130% in regional exchanges between national contact points and between bi-regional contact points, respectively.
Support to the ICD in developing a draft regulation on the social use of confiscated assets.
- Support to the Judiciary, the ICD and the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) in approving the Protocol for the Comprehensive Care of Women in Conflict with Criminal Law. This legal tool addresses the specific vulnerabilities faced by women through an integrated response and restorative justice approach in minor drug offences. It is projected as a regional reference.
How do we support the country?
Strengthening drug observatories
Implementation of an evaluation of Costa Rica’s 2017–2025 drug policies, focusing on prevention programmes, treatment of problematic drug use, and restorative justice, as well as on a cost study. The Evaluation Analysis Guide for Drug Policies from a Gender and Human Rights Perspective, published by COPOLAD, has been used.
Incorporation of the gender approach in operational tools of the Costa Rican Drug Observatory (OCD), through: a research protocol on the experiences of women leaving the shelters of the National Child Welfare Agency (PANI); and the design of a survey on psychoactive substance use among adult women in prison.
Community treatment in vulnerable territories
2 pilot community treatment projects in the communities of Limón and Punta Arenas, aimed at vulnerable populations aged 13 to 18, to articulate basic health and employment services, public security and human security.
In this context, a Support Guide has been developed for building intervention and follow-up protocols in the territory for vulnerable populations with a gender approach.
Fight against drug trafficking and organised crime
The encrypted information exchange platform of the Asset Recovery Network (RRAG) of the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT) has been strengthened in operational and cybersecurity aspects. As the operational headquarters of the network, Costa Rica’s Drug Institute (ICD) manages this platform.
As a result, in 2024 there was an increase of 27% and 130% in regional exchanges between national contact points and between bi-regional contact points, respectively.
Support to the ICD in developing a draft regulation on the social use of confiscated assets.
Humanisation of justice in drug-related offences
Support to the Judiciary, the ICD and the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) in approving the Protocol for the Comprehensive Care of Women in Conflict with Criminal Law. This legal tool addresses the specific vulnerabilities faced by women through an integrated response and restorative justice approach in minor drug offences. It is projected as a regional reference.