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San Jos (AFP) Rodrigo Chaves is the Costa Rican President-elect. He stated Tuesday that he would not ratify Escazu Agreement, which protects environmentalists.
This treaty was the first to include specific measures to protect human rights of environmental defenders. Costa Rica was the driving force behind it.
Carlos Alvarado, the outgoing president, had asked lawmakers for ratification of the agreement. But Chaves stated that the treaty was unnecessary and could be detrimental to the economy.
“The private sector should be reassured the Escazu agreement is not on government’s agenda,” said the right-wing economist at a press conference, where he also announced several future ministers.
“I don’t think it would benefit the country,” stated the former World Bank official. He will be taking office on May 8.
Costa Rica, a leader in regional environmental protection, hosted 2018’s signing of the Escazu agreement.
The treaty protects campaigners but also guarantees public participation in the environmental decision making processes, especially those that could have an impact on health.
Chaves expressed concern that the agreement could “delay investment projects” in an unjustified or arbitrary manner, given the economic crisis.
The treaty has been signed and ratified in half the countries. This ensures its validity despite Costa Rica’s likely lack thereof.
Chaves also claimed that the treaty is superfluous.
He stated that “our legislation already includes everything from the Escazu agreement.”
2022 AFP
