The U.S. Embassy and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) donated in late June two equipped vans that will allow them to follow up on asylum applications of migrants who cannot continue with the process in person at the offices designated by the UNHCR.
Costa Rica’s Directorate General of Migration and Alien Affairs (DGME) will use the vehicles to provide services in hard-to-reach communities, particularly for elderly and disabled users.
The vans have anti-slip floors, an electric generator, a metal access ramp, and safety handrails. Their total value is $175,000.
“The donation of these mobile units is another very good example of the sustained support the United States provides to Costa Rica and UNHCR to address the needs of refugees and help them rebuild their lives,” U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles emphasized.
Between fiscal years 2017 and 2022, the United States has supported organizations working on migration issues in Costa Rica with more than $55 million.