BTN News: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister, Arnoldo André, has announced that the government is awaiting a “concept note” for a new migratory agreement with the United States. This accord is focused on the voluntary repatriation of migrants and is expected to be similar to the one Panama signed on July 1st. Minister André emphasized that while they are considering the U.S. agreement, they are also keen to learn from Panama’s experience. Currently, Costa Rica is in the early stages of drafting these concept notes, which will outline the initiative’s scope and the plans for addressing the migration issue effectively.
During a recent visit to the United States, which included a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 17, André discussed the potential agreement. Concept notes are concise documents that describe the initiative’s purpose and plans for public funding usage. They serve as the first step in detailing how a project will align with existing development objectives.
The Costa Rican Foreign Ministry highlighted that the bilateral meeting covered key agenda items, including managing migration challenges and enhancing cooperation to ensure effective migration flows while protecting migrants’ human rights. In response to a CNN inquiry about the initiative’s progress, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica stated that both nations are working together to manage migration safely and humanely in the region.
This collaboration aligns with the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, in which the United States partners with 21 regional countries, including Costa Rica. This declaration, issued during the Ninth Summit of the Americas in June 2022, emphasized the commitment of President Joe Biden and 20 other regional leaders to strengthen national, regional, and hemispheric efforts for safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration.
Panama’s Agreement with the United States
On July 1st, Panama’s government announced a memorandum of understanding with the United States, focusing on immigration assistance and cooperation. This agreement aims to halt irregular migrant crossings through the Darién Gap, addressing the significant migration crisis in that area. According to a statement from the Panamanian government, the U.S. has agreed to cover repatriation costs for migrants who enter illegally through the Darién. In return, Panama has pledged to uphold international agreements on immigrant and refugee rights.
Panama’s President highlighted that the agreement with the U.S. also seeks to tackle an environmental crisis in the Darién, caused by solid waste and inadequate management. This memorandum of understanding reflects a concerted effort to manage the complex issues surrounding migration and environmental sustainability in the region.
Key Takeaways and Future Prospects
As Costa Rica awaits the concept note for its potential migratory agreement with the United States, the country looks to Panama’s recent experience as a model. The focus remains on ensuring that migration is managed effectively, humanely, and in a manner that protects the rights of migrants. With continued cooperation and strategic planning, both Costa Rica and the United States aim to address the challenges of migration in the region, fostering stability and promoting legal pathways for migrants.
The Los Angeles Declaration underscores the collective commitment of the Americas to create conditions for safe and orderly migration. As Costa Rica and the United States work towards finalizing their agreement, this collaboration could serve as a crucial step in achieving these goals and strengthening regional cooperation on migration issues.
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s pursuit of a migratory agreement with the United States marks a significant step in addressing regional migration challenges. By learning from Panama’s recent agreement and focusing on the voluntary repatriation of migrants, Costa Rica aims to enhance its migration management strategies. This initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in ensuring safe, humane, and effective migration flows. As discussions progress, the partnership between Costa Rica and the United States holds promise for a more stable and well-managed migratory system in the Americas.
