Costa Rica grants asylum to Honduran activist under threat in his native country

Association

On 23rd April, student leader Eduardo Urbina was granted asylum in Costa Rica, after being held in detention for over a month. Costa Rican authorities determined that the activist was at grave risk in Honduras due to his work as a human rights defender and student leader. The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) stressed that: 

"[T]he risk that has been assessed in the specific case of Eduardo, is framed in a context of violence and human rights violations against defenders, organizations and communities that defend human rights in Honduras. It is essential that repression and criminalization be stopped and that the State guarantee the right to defend human rights". 

As reported on the Monitor, the second-round of presidential elections between Fabricio Alvarado, a conservative evangelical from Partido de Restaruación Nacional (National Restoration Party), and Carlos Alvarado from the governing Citizen Action Party were held on 1st April 2018. Civil society organisations, especially those promoting LGBTI rights, were concerned about the conservative candidate's approach towards LGBTI rights. Fears were allayed when, on 1st April Carlos Alvarado of the ruling party was elected.

Asociación Internacional de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Trans e Intersex para América Latina y el Caribe (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association for Latin America and the Caribbean - ILGALAC) issued a statement after the election, stating that: 

"Human rights, inclusion and diversity won over hatred, exclusion, repression and discrimination. This message against religious fundamentalism will be heard loudly throughout the region as a cry for freedom". (Translated from Spanish)