SCV
Sara Castillo Vargas
National Commission for the Improvement of the Administration of Justice
Executive Director of the National Commission for the Improvement of the Administration of Justice
Biography
Sara Castillo Vargas has served as Executive Director of CONAMAJ within Costa Rica’s Judiciary since 1996. Her work focuses on institutional transformation, public sector innovation and interinstitutional collaboration to advance more accessible, inclusive and people-centred justice.
She leads initiatives to implement Costa Rica’s Open Justice Policy, promoting transparency, citizen participation, collaboration and accountability within the justice system. She represents Costa Rica’s Judiciary before the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and participates in its Justice Coalition, contributing to international efforts to advance openness, accountability and more responsive justice institutions.
She also oversees the Judiciary’s Citizen Participation Programme and coordinates the National Judicial Facilitators Service, which helps bring legal information and access to justice closer to communities, particularly those facing barriers to formal justice services. Her expertise also includes restorative justice, Peace Circles and participatory approaches to conflict resolution.
Her previous experience includes serving on the Superior Council of Costa Rica’s Judiciary (2018–2020), as well as international consultancy work with the Organization of American States (OAS), electoral advisory work with the United Nations and collaboration with other international organisations on institutional strengthening, governance and public administration.
She holds a Law degree from the University of Costa Rica, a professional specialisation in Organizational Development and International Program Administration from American University in Washington, D.C., a Master’s degree in Group Psychology Studies from the University for International Cooperation, and advanced management studies from INCAE Business School.
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