Faber-Castell, the world's largest pencil manufacturer, has raised serious concerns regarding the use of an old factory in Costa Rica, which it had donated for humanitarian purposes. The factory was originally gifted to the Costa Rican government in 2018 after it had been closed in 2013 due to adverse economic conditions. Faber-Castell aimed for the facility to serve as a shelter providing refuge and humanitarian assistance for migrants in transit in the region. However, reports have emerged that the factory is now being used as a detention center for asylum seekers, many of whom were deported from the United States during the previous administration.

This turn of events has sparked public outrage and significant backlash against the Costa Rican government, as Faber-Castell's contract with the Ministry of Public Security explicitly stated that the facility should serve a humanitarian purpose. The company’s representatives expressed their shock and disapproval upon learning about the alleged misuse of the property, emphasizing their commitment to humanitarian causes and the importance of the originally intended use of the factory. The situation raises critical questions about Costa Rica's adherence to human rights norms and its treatment of vulnerable migrant populations.

The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate concern of the factory's use; they touch upon broader themes of corporate responsibility, international humanitarian law, and the treatment of asylum seekers in Central America. Faber-Castell's accusations may also lead to increased scrutiny on the Costa Rican government regarding its immigration and detention policies, as well as pressure to rectify the situation and revert the facility back to its humanitarian role, emphasizing the need for a caring approach to those seeking refuge.