This report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child contains observations of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) concerning the application of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child by the nation of Costa Rica. The report's introduction notes that in addition to ratifying the Convention, Costa Rica's constitution has several provisions aimed at giving special protection to children, and there is now a Children's Ombudsman within the office of the People's Ombudsman. However, the Costa Rican legislation still contains loopholes which could impede effective protection of children's rights, and Costa Rican authorities have failed to supply the OMCT information concerning conditions in which children are detained, programs of rehabilitation for those children, protection of children against ill-treatment and torture, and penalties applied to officials or agents of the State responsible for violations perpetrated against children. The report next presents recommendations in these areas: (1) criminal responsibility of the child; (2) right to be heard in any procedure; (3) sanctions applied to children; (4) definition and prohibition of torture-protection measures; (5) prosecution of those responsible for torture and physical ill-treatment of children; (6) protection during detention; and (7) sanctions in case of arbitrary arrest or detention. The report then provides concluding observations and recommendations, including follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party, factors and difficulties impeding further progress in implementation of the Convention; and principal subjects of concern and committee recommendations in areas including legislation and institutional reform, coordination and monitoring, civil rights and freedoms, family environment and alternative care, basic health and welfare, and education, leisure, and cultural activities. (HTH)