Defensoría de los Habitantes de la República
DHR
Summary
The Defensoría de los Habitantes de la República of Costa Rica was established by Ley No. 7319 of 17 November 1992 as the national ombudsman institution. The Defensor(a) de los Habitantes is elected by the Legislative Assembly by a two-thirds supermajority for a four-year renewable term (once). The Office investigates complaints of violations of rights and legitimate interests of inhabitants (citizens and residents) by the public administration, issuing non-binding recommendations. It also monitors human rights compliance and publishes thematic reports. Annual reports are submitted to the Legislative Assembly. The Defensoría has constitutional recognition through the institutional system though it is not directly named in the Constitución Política; its mandate flows from the duty of the state to respect fundamental rights.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Supermajority legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Ley de la Defensoría de los Habitantes de la República No. 7319
- Citation
- Ley No. 7319 (D.O. 17-11-1992, as amended)
- Full text
- Agency website →
Jurisdiction scope
All central government ministries, decentralised institutions, public enterprises, and municipalities; investigates complaints of violations of rights and legitimate interests of inhabitants by public administration; defends constitutional rights.