How to seek help
UNHCR Offices
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides aid to millions of people around the world who have been obligated to leave their country to save their lives. The agency promotes the protection of human rights and helps them to reconstruct their lives. UNHCR came into existence after the Second World War. Today, with a team of approximately 7,685 people in more than 125 countries, it helps around 34 million people around the world. In Costa Rica, UNHCR has an office in San Jose and also has a presence in Neily, close to the border of Panama.
How do I reach it by bus?
The buses that bring you close to UNHCR are those which start from the San José Coca Cola centre. These are the buses from Pava which say “Airport,” “Hospital,” and “Boulevard.” Once you reach Boulevard Rohrmoser, get off at the building named “Prisma Dental” and cross the Boulevard.
To send text messages: (506) 8311-5442
UNHCR has a small regional office in Neilly (located approximately 20 – 30 minutes from the border). The purpose of this office is to strengthen the protection of those persons who have applied for refugee status and who cross into Costa Rica from this border.
Other Contacts
General Directorate of Migration (DGME)
The General Directorate of Migration (DGME) is a public body responsible for the execution of the migration policies which control the entry and exit of personnel into the national territory, promotes the integration of foreigners into Costa Rican society, and regulates the stay and the activities of these foreign personnel in the country, as well as illegal trade of migrants. The process of applying for refugee status is initiated in this office.
How do I reach it?
The buses that go to the DGME start from the north side of the Church of Merced, close to the hospital San Juan de Dios; they are the “Transportes Biusa.” Board the buses which say “Rositer Migración por Pista.”
Call centre: 1311
Association of International Consultants and Advisors
The Association of International Consultants and Advisors (ACAI) is a Costa Rican non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1991. ACAI is a partner which executes the programs of UNHCR in Costa Rica. ACAI counts on interdisciplinary services in order to monitor the protection of refugees and asylum seekers living in the country and also helps in their integration. It offers legal aid, psycho-social aid, guidance for job-hunting, and humanitarian assistance among other supports. All of its services are free of cost.
How do I reach it by bus?
ACAI is located close to Torre Mercedes, a central location through which many buses pass. If you are in downtown San José, you can take the buses from Sabana Cemetery or from the Sabana Stadium, which leave from Central Park to the Colón promenade. The buses coming from Alajuela and Heredia also pass through Torre Mercedes. The buses “Biusa” which come from the Migration Office pass through Colón Promenade, same as the buses which say “Periférica.”
Toll-free Line: 800-800-ACAI (800-800-2224)
To send text messages: (506) 8593-0249
House of Rights of the Desamparados Municipality
The House of Rights of Desamparados Municipality is a joint initiative among the local government, UNHCR, the University of Costa Rica and the Ministry of Justice and Peace. It aims to promote the well-being of the Desamparados community, especially of the migrants and refugees. The House of Rights offers legal advice and free psycho-social assistance, with special attention to women who are or have been victims of sexual and gender violence.
How do I reach it by bus?
The buses from San José going to Desamparados start from Parque de las Garantías Sociales behind the Caja. Almost all the buses going towards Desamparados stop at the central park. From there walk 100m west and 25 north. House of Rights will be next to the family Clinical Center.
RET International
RET International is an international non-governmental organization (NGO). Its office in Costa Rica focuses on the promotion and execution of human rights of refugees and also of those who have applied for refugee status. This is done via various educative and strategic mediums, specially focusing on comprehensive development, which benefits youth in particular and their families.
How do I reach it by bus?
Take the buses that go to San Pedro and/or have a stop in front of Mall San Pedro. Get off in the stop before "Fuente de la Hispanidad" (Hispanidad Fountain) and walk towards "Pequeño Mundo" store.