Some Nicaraguans who have migrated to Costa Rica, as a result of the socio-political situation in their country, have been victims of xenophobic attacks

José Dávila, former ambassador of Nicaragua in Germany and analyst, told the newspaper La Prensa that there are clear conditions that encourage irregular migration of Nicaraguans to neighboring Central American nations. For Dávila, there is a clear violation of human rights and this violation is combined with repression of the media, threats of all kinds for journalists and trade unionists. Added to this is the sustained citizen insecurity after the protests that began on April 18, 2018.

Leer en español: Los nicaragüenses en el exterior también son víctimas de xenofobia

"It is a social indicator that the conditions of human development do not exist in the country itself, because in a nation where a dictatorship reigns, people 'go to protect their lives and seek their development,'" he added.

According to La Prensa, the workers of the Free Zones are working in subhuman conditions, as they can only go to the bathroom one to two times a day and are deprived of using potable water in their lines of work. In addition, the Nicaraguan newspaper assures that prisons can not cope due to extrajudicial imprisonment and the conditions that exist in these places.

You can also read: Nicaragua: between the national crisis and the presidential fantasy

Thus, many people have had to migrate to other nations, such as Costa Rica, as a result of the socio-political situation in their country. In Costa Rica, however, Nicaraguans have been victims of attacks that are increasing.

Victims of xenophobia: the panorama of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica

The newspaper El Nuevo Diario reported in recent days that several Ticos decided to attack some students who came from Nicaragua. These students were preparing to cross the border in order to get access to the medical services of the country, as it is rumored that President Daniel Ortega decided to punish the doctors who decided to treat people injured as a result of the protests, when they were attacked.

It may interest you: Is Costa Rica no longer Central America's paradise?

In addition, in recent days, thousands of people went out to protest in the city of San Jose against the high irregular migration that is taking place in Costa Rica, according to El País. El Nuevo Diario explains that there are several factors that help to promote racism and that arouse xenophobic thoughts within the Ticos, such as unemployment, insecurity and fiscal problems.

However, not all Costa Ricans think alike. According to the BBC, on August 26, thousands of people gathered in the capital of Costa Rica in response to the xenophobic demonstration that took place two weeks ago in this same country. "We want to extend our hands to so many Nicaraguans who, with their work, help the development of the country. Eight days ago, Costa Rican society crossed a very dangerous line, something unheard of happened," said one of the promoters.

LatinAmerican Post | Miguel Díaz

Translated from "Los nicaragüenses en el exterior también son víctimas de xenofobia"