Costa Rica Defensoría de los Habitantes activities

The Defensoría de los Habitantes in Costa Rica is managing both institutional outreach and fiscal concerns. To mark its 33rd anniversary, the institution scheduled a nationwide community outreach program for October 20. Staff members were set to visit seven locations, including San José, Puntarenas, Limón, Bagaces, Buenos Aires, and Sarapiquí, to provide free legal guidance and assist citizens in filing complaints regarding public services.

Concurrently, the Defensoría issued warnings regarding proposed budget cuts within the Second Extraordinary Budget of 2026. The institution submitted observations to the Legislative Assembly’s Treasury Affairs Commission concerning a planned national budget reduction of ¢167,968.23 million caused by lower tax revenues. Specifically, the Defensoría raised concerns over the reallocation of ¢14,483.28 million from the Social Development and Family Allowances Fund (Fodesaf), questioning if these funds are true surpluses or represent a failure to provide timely aid to vulnerable populations.