Summary of SRES 353: Human Rights Practices in Costa Rica

Bill Number: SRES 353

Title: A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Costa Rica's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Status: Introduced in Senate

Introduced: July 31, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SRES 353 is to request a comprehensive report from the Secretary of State regarding the human rights practices of the Government of Costa Rica. This request is made under section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which mandates the assessment of human rights conditions in countries receiving U.S. assistance. The resolution aims to ensure that U.S. foreign policy and assistance are aligned with the promotion of human rights.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines specific information that the Secretary of State must provide within 30 days of its adoption, including:

1. Allegations of Human Rights Violations:

   • Information on arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, torture, and cruel treatment, particularly concerning individuals who are not citizens of Costa Rica but have been removed there by the U.S. government.
   • Violations of due process rights for these individuals.
   • Cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
   • Trafficking in persons, including forced labor.
   • Legal rights and treatment of non-citizens removed to Costa Rica.

2. U.S. Government Actions:

   • Steps taken to promote human rights in Costa Rica.
   • Efforts to discourage practices that violate human rights.
   • Assessments conducted prior to the removal of individuals to Costa Rica, ensuring humane treatment and legal status.

3. Additional Information:

   • Assessments of the likelihood that U.S. security assistance could support human rights violations.
   • Conditions in detention centers or prisons in Costa Rica.
   • Actions taken to comply with U.S. court orders regarding the return of individuals to the U.S.
   • Information on agreements or financial transactions between the U.S. and Costa Rica related to the treatment of non-citizens.

Who Would Be Affected

The resolution primarily affects:
- Individuals who are not citizens of Costa Rica but have been removed there by the U.S. government, as their treatment and rights are central to the requested report.
- U.S. Government agencies, particularly the Department of State, which will be responsible for compiling and submitting the report.
- Costa Rican authorities, as the resolution indirectly holds them accountable for human rights practices.

Procedural Aspects

• The resolution was introduced in the Senate on July 31, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.
• The Secretary of State is required to submit the requested information within 30 days of the resolution's adoption.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Timothy M. Kaine
• Cosponsor: Peter Welch

This resolution reflects a commitment to monitoring and addressing human rights issues in Costa Rica, particularly concerning individuals affected by U.S. immigration policies.