Translated from Spanish by Sarah Medina

The Afro-Costa Rican National Bureau wants to make it known to the national and international public that it is deeply concerned by the manifestations of racism and racial discrimination against an Afro-descendant player during a soccer match between Club Sport Cartaginés and Club Sport Herediano, which took place at the Fello Meza Stadium in Cartago on 31 March 2013. These manifestations, which are repeated in similar events, observed in an increasing number of acts of hatred, and directed towards people of African descent, are becoming more frequent and intense.

 This is a challenge for all of us to not remain passive and raise awareness so that we strongly reject these acts, knowing that we are in a society shaped by history. 

The State of Costa Rica must reaffirm its commitment and compliance with international obligations to prevent, combat and eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, approved at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001 in Durban, South Africa, and the Durban Review Conference which took place in 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland; also, being a signatory to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. These commitments remain in place but are pending on a National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

Dear High Level Panel,

When joining the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel of eminent persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda you were tasked to be bold and ambitious. As concerned individuals and organiztions we appeal to each one of you in these last few weeks of your mandate to ensure that the panel report includes at minimum the following critical concerns:

- Poverty is multi-dimensional and should not be narrowly defined and measured only as a matter of income.

- Existing international human rights norms, standards and instruments should be form the basis of the Post 2015 agenda both in terms of its aspiration and accountability mechanisms. This must explicitly include sexual and reproductive rights.

-There is a positive link between peace and security and democratic governance at all levels, including the global, regional, national and local, with efforts to realize social justice. As such it is imperative to reiterate this link in the post 2015 agenda as a key element of its conceptual framework and adopt the necessary themes, goals and plans for implementation.

-The post 2015 development agenda should include a clear goal with regards to the "right to self-determination" and the end to occupation that includes a time bound agenda and targets for its achievement.