Child Soldiers Global Report 2001 - Costa Rica
| Publisher | Child Soldiers International |
| Publication Date | 2001 |
| Cite as | Child Soldiers International, Child Soldiers Global Report 2001 - Costa Rica, 2001, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/498806051e.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
REPUBLIC OF COSTA RICA
Mainly covers the period June 1998 to April 2001 as well as including some earlier information.
- Population:
– total: 3,933,000
– under-18s: 1,532,000 - Government armed forces:
– active: Nil
– paramilitary: 8,400 - Compulsory recruitment age: 18
- Voluntary recruitment age: 18
- Voting age (government elections): 18
- Child soldiers: none indicated
- CRC-OP-CAC: signed on 7 September 2000; supports "straight-18" position
- Other treaties ratified: CRC; GC/API+II; ILO 138
- There are no indications of under-18s in government armed forces.
GOVERNMENT
National Recruitment Legislation
The armed forces were abolished by the 1949 Constitution. Article 12 states that "the army as a permanent institution is proscribed. For vigilance and the preservation of public order, there will be the necessary police forces." The Constitution further provides for the introduction of both armed forces and military service when deemed necessary. Indeed, "only through continental agreement or for the national defence may military forces be organised; in either case they shall always be subordinate to the civil power." Article 147 states that the Council of Government (President of the Republic and Ministers) "requests from the National Assembly a declaration of a state of national defence and authorisation to order military recruitment, organise the army and negotiate peace."
DEVELOPMENTS
International Standards
Costa Rica signed the CRC-OP-CAC on 7 September 2000 and supports a "straight-18" position.
