Among the minors killed this way in 2024 is an 11-year-old boy who was shot in Batan on August 24, while trying to protect his pregnant mother, who was also killed, the Judicial Investigation Agency informed.

Armed drug traffickers pay no heed at age or gender, said Rodrigo Campos, coordinator of the criminology program at the State Distance University, quoted by Extra newspaper.

“Criminality and violence never had borders, nor did they respect social classes, gender, or age. There should be social institutions to help in these situations, and safe spaces to protect children’s development.”

According to media reports, Costa Rica is witnessing an escalation in homicides that has so far left some 600 deaths only in 2024.

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