Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica of 1949, 12-2

Abolition of the Army in Costa Rica.

Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica of 1949, the army is outlawed in its article 12-2.

On 11 October 1949, Costa Rica abolished the army by decision of the Founding Board of the Second Republic through a decree; becoming the 1st country in the world to abolish the army. The Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica established that “The Army as permanent institution is outlawed” immediately after an armed conflict. Costa Rica became an example of a pacifist and civilian nation, resolving conflicts and external threats by means of instruments provided by International Law. It proved that a State can be voluntarily disarmed, achieving a better distribution of richness, prioritizing development of social aspects such as health and education.

Documents forming the documentary resource called Central American Court of Justice of the first standing tribunal for International Law in the world. For the first time in the world acknowledgment of human being’s capacity to demand upon the States is stressed. Individual are granted the quality of subject of international law (previously reserved only to the States). The abovementioned provision contributed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.