Costa Rica has unveiled the Blue Shield emblem on the tower of the old church in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste. The event took place as part of the closing activities for Cultural Week and just before the start of the National Typical Festivities in Santa Cruz.
The Blue Shield, created under the 1954 Hague Convention, is an internationally recognized symbol that marks cultural property protected during armed conflict, natural disasters, and other threats. With this unveiling, Costa Rica now has thirty-four Blue Shields placed on heritage buildings and sites across the country.
The tower dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was originally built as a bell tower and served as a central point for religious and community life in Santa Cruz. Two decades after being declared national heritage, it remains a symbol of local identity and highlights the importance of preserving historical sites.
This initiative was organized by the Costa Rican Commission on International Humanitarian Law (CCDIH), which was established in 2004. The commission is led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship and includes sixteen national institutions working together to ensure Costa Rica fulfills its obligations under international humanitarian law (IHL). These efforts include incorporating IHL standards into national legislation, providing training through courses and workshops, and public outreach.
According to CCDIH: “For the Costa Rican Commission on International Humanitarian Law (CCDIH), it is especially important to continue contributing with commitment and consistency to Costa Rica’s international obligations, particularly those arising from IHL—which regulates state conduct during armed conflict but must also be addressed proactively in peacetime. As an unarmed state with a tradition of peace, Costa Rica promotes a culture of peace, violence prevention, and respect for international law.”
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture and Youth Jorge Rodríguez; Deputy Operations Manager for the Costa Rican Red Cross Jim Batres; Rector of the National Sanctuary Santo Cristo de Esquipulas Yunner Briceño; President of Santa Cruz Cultural Association Víctor Gómez; as well as ambassador Eugenia Gutiérrez, who chairs CCDIH.
