AMERICA/COSTA RICA - The Bishop of Limón asks the new President for a commissioner for the indigenous people of the country

Wednesday, 23 May 2018 human rights   indigenous   bishops   healthcare   education  

Diario Extra

Limón (Agenzia Fides) - "Our natives need a commissioner to defend their human rights! So I formally suggest President Carlos Alvarado a commissioner for the indigenous peoples of our country, in order to intervene in the face of the multiple and permanent violations of the fundamental human rights suffered, systematically and for many years, by these brothers": these are the words of Mgr. Javier Román, Bishop of the diocese of Limón in Costa Rica, in a letter to the new President of the country, also sent to Fides.
"This government began its activity - continues the Bishop - reaffirming the will to enforce the human rights of all Costa Ricans, for this he has appointed a commissioner who works to guarantee and support the rights of the people who request it".
"Our natives are dying due to lack of medical care, they need roads, bridges, schools, productive projects, security and job opportunities, a commissioner could intervene to denounce the lack of assistance, to promote culture and help resolve the internal conflicts of the indigenous peoples". The Bishop, who has a rich pastoral experience, concludes by addressing the President with these words: "From his experience as a minister, we know of his social sensitivity and desire for doing things well. Let us start by doing justice for these brothers, who really need the support of everyone today".
15 days after his inauguration as president, the journalist and political analyst Carlos Andrés Alvarado Quesada has set up a national unity government that will have to face a fragile economic situation, due to a pressing fiscal deficit. The situation of the indigenous peoples in Costa Rica is that described by Mgr. Román, sad and serious, because they are left without protection by the authorities. The problems and consequences of environmental tragedies have weakened the few hopes of many people in places where there is no government assistance or is completely absent. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 23/05/2018)


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