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 The
document includes measures to protect and guarantee
the rights of people who suffer discrimination
/ A.M. Costa Rica wire services photo Government signed the Inter-American Convention against discrimination |
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By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
On Wednesday, in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Organization of American States, OAS, in Washington, the government took the first step in order to ratify the Inter-American Convention against all forms of discrimination and intolerance. With the signing of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manuel Ventura, who was accompanied by the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, the ratification process begins. It requires the approval as Law, by the deputies of the Legislative Assembly and the signature of President Carlos Alvarado. "Costa Rica is starting on a path today to have a guide that allows us to build a more inclusive, more just society, in which no one will suffer discrimination and intolerance due to any condition," said President Alvarado. "The ratification of this Convention seals our commitment to ensure respect for all human rights, to all families, to all people, to the diversity that enriches the country." The Convention, which began in 2013, is the only inter-American human rights treaty that Costa Rica has not ratified. In addition, with the approval of the Legislative Assembly, Costa Rica could become the country that promotes the entry into force of the Convention. The convention must be ratified by at least two countries and so far only has one vote in favor, that of Uruguay. "We are paying off a debt that we had with the Inter-American System, ensuring greater protection and guarantee of the rights of all people," said Foreign Minister Ventura. In detail, the Convention defines the concepts of intolerance and discrimination, reiterates the equality of all human beings before the law, defines the tasks of the state to guarantee the fulfillment of their rights, establishes a committee that monitors progress in its implementation, and establishes prevention measures and protection mechanisms against discrimination. The document includes measures to protect and guarantee the rights of people who suffer discrimination due to factors such as sex, age, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinions or of any other nature, social origin, economic position, migrant status, refugee status or displaced, birth, stigmatized infectious or contagious condition, genetic characteristic, disability, incapacitating psychic suffering or any other social condition, as well as others recognized in international instruments. "As the United Nations said in 2011, despite concerted efforts, discrimination and different forms of intolerance still persist in all parts of the world," said OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro during the signing of the Convention. "It is therefore essential that we coordinate efforts to combat discrimination." Mr. Almagro celebrated the signing of Costa Rica "which shows the commitment to ensure compliance with international regulations in its territory", he said. ------------- Should the Legislature expedite the approval of this agreement? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com *Link to reach the place map. |
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