Alhana Chaverría, first trans student to lead a student federation in Costa Rica 3:33
(CNN Spanish) --
The Costa Rican government apologized for a controversial guide, already withdrawn from digital platforms, which generated a wave of criticism.
The document "Good security practices in tourist operations" includes recommendations to foreigners on the way they dress, hours and control when drinking alcoholic beverages.
Several organizations that advocate for women's rights say that the document holds them responsible for the gender-based violence they may suffer.
“Consider the cultural difference from your home country.
Try to dress in a similar style to the local to avoid attracting attention”, says the guide, and “be careful with the messages that a very friendly or trusting attitude can generate”.
When referring to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the document adds: "In case of ingesting beverages with alcoholic content, or any substance that may alter the use of your faculties, you must ensure that you maintain personal control and control of the environment where you are."
The government reported in a statement that the document is no longer on the platform of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
Assembly of Costa Rica approves law that legalizes the use of medical cannabis
The guide was prepared and approved by the National Tourist Security Commission (Consetur) and published in June 2021. It was taken up by the local newspaper La Nación following a complaint of rape against a tourist in the Caribbean of Costa Rica, who received the Prosecutor's Office on January 6.
As the Public Ministry told CNN, the case is being investigated by the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).
advertising
The apology comes after President Carlos Alvarado, through his social networks, instructed the ICT and the National Women's Institute (Inamu) on Monday to immediately review the document, since it placed "responsibility on the victims and reproduced stereotypes of violence against women, absolutely unacceptable".
The president of the INAMU and Minister for the Status of Women, Marcela Guerrero, told CNN that an investigation is being carried out to establish responsibilities for the errors in the text and so that situations of this type are not repeated. "Citizens are claiming that it is not the woman's responsibility how she dresses or where she walks, it is the responsibility, in this case, of the State and the private sector to collaborate." Guerrero added that this was the message and the spirit of the guide and that the wording had to express it that way.
Tourism Minister Gustavo Alvarado said that withdrawing the guide is an acknowledgment of the criticism.
He added that it requires "an immediate and profound review of everything related to the safety of women so that, among other things, any message that violates women, that re-victimizes them and that is out of place is excluded."