Honourable Ms Justice Melissa Benavides Víquez

Judge, Supreme Court of San Jose, Costa Rica

Honourable Ms Justice Melissa Benavides Víquez is a distinguished Costa Rican judge specialising in family law and human rights, with extensive experience serving vulnerable populations. She has served as Family Court Judge and led the Judiciary’s Access to Justice Unit, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring equitable legal access for all citizens. A graduate with a Master’s in Law and Economics, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Law at the University of Costa Rica, reflecting her dedication to advancing legal scholarship and expertise. Justice Benavides Víquez combines judicial practice with academic engagement as university professor and OAS fellowship recipient. Her leadership extends beyond the judiciary through her role as former Executive Director of Conapdis (National Council of Persons with Disabilities), where she was widely recognised for her transformative work on behalf of vulnerable groups and inclusion initiatives.