A United Kingdom-funded project implemented with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is helping Costa Rica strengthen its efforts to combat human trafficking, according to the British Embassy.

As part of the initiative, a new online guide for the tourism sector, titled The Prevention, Detection and Reporting of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Girls, Boys and Adolescents, was officially launched during a ceremony at the Tourism Institute (ICT) headquarters in San José. The guide is currently available only in Spanish.

The document is designed to help tourism industry workers identify, prevent and report cases of human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, strengthening the country's response to trafficking in persons.

According to the British Embassy, the initiative brings together government institutions, private businesses and local communities to create a more coordinated system for identifying people at risk, providing protection and preventing exploitation. It also works with the tourism sector to strengthen safeguarding measures and reinforce the sector's role in the prevention and early identification of trafficking victims.

"Trafficking in persons often begins when people are made invisible. This project has helped strengthen the people and systems that can recognize the signs, respond safely and connect those at risk with the right support," British Ambassador Edward Stevens said during the launch ceremony.   "The UK is proud to have worked with IOM and Costa Rican partners to support a more coordinated, people-centered response to trafficking and modern slavery."

Stevens said the project reflects the United Kingdom's commitment to combating modern slavery through practical partnerships that strengthen prevention and victim protection.


"It highlights the importance of a whole-of-society approach, bringing together government, emergency services, the tourism sector and local communities," he added.

The project was carried out in coordination with several Costa Rican institutions, including the National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (CONATT), the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the Ministry of Public Security and the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME).

The U.S. Department of State estimated in 2024 that about 14 million people worldwide are victims of forced labor, bonded labor or sex trafficking. Approximately 2 million of those victims are children exploited in commercial sex trafficking, with girls accounting for an estimated 98% of those cases.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) urged the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking by calling the 10-digit confidential hotline at 8000-0645 or the emergency number 9-1-1, where bilingual operators are available in English and Spanish.

The ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a tourism destination and supporting the country's tourism industry.

The DGME, Costa Rica’s immigration authority, oversees visas, residency, work permits and other processes for foreign nationals living in the country.

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