Costa Rica supported the call to preserve and promote indigenous languages

The event sought to celebrate the launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, in celebration of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples (9 August).

The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the proclamation of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages ​​2022-2032 in the 2019 United Nations General Assembly resolution, which is a call for urgent measures to preserve, revitalize and promote indigenous languages ​​at the national and international level.

The media source pointed out that Costa Rica emphasized its multi-ethnic and multicultural character, which is embodied in the political constitution.

Likewise, he continued, highlighting the value of the 24 indigenous territories as an essential part of Costa Rican identity, and honoring the more than 104,000 indigenous Bribris, Cabécares, Malekus, Chorotegas, Huetares, Ngäbes, Bruncas and Térrabas , and the eight indigenous peoples. This country is located in Central America.

He noted that Costa Rica had also addressed its integration and integration efforts through the national policy for a society free of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. He explained that this was the first official document that recognized historical racial discrimination at the expense of indigenous peoples.

As another organizational step, Costa Rica referred to the General Mechanism for Consultation with Indigenous Peoples, the first mechanism in Latin America developed under the “consultation on consultation” criterion.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that this initiative is a guide for institutions to comply with the obligation to consult indigenous peoples when a measure or project may affect their collective rights.

He noted that during the meeting, the multicultural dimension and gender perspective were hailed as key aspects to be considered when formulating national initiatives to fulfill the commitments set forth in the Global Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. .

jha / ale