HRC - Interactive Dialogue following the oral update by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Nicaragua - EU Statement

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Interactive Dialogue following the oral update by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Nicaragua

18 December 2023

EU Intervention

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update, which shows that the situation of human rights in Nicaragua remains very concerning.

We strongly condemn the continued repressive measures against political opponents, independent media, students, civil society, academics, the clergy, and human rights defenders.  

The EU remains preoccupied with the closure of civic space, the fragility of the rule of law, and the rollback of academic freedom and Nicaraguans’ right to education. The use of arbitrary detention, forced displacement, measures of exile and illegal stripping of citizenship resulting in statelessness, and the numerous cases of aggression against women defending human rights reported by the CEDAW Committee are additional causes for concern.

We also call on the authorities to take measures to effectively prevent and combat acts of violence and abuses against Indigenous Peoples and persons belonging to afro-descendant communities, as well as their representatives.

We reiterate our call to the authorities to respect their international commitments, free all persons arbitrarily detained, and cooperate genuinely with international human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR.

We reaffirm our enduring commitment to defend the human rights of Nicaraguan people and our support for a solution to the on-going political crisis through a meaningful dialogue between the authorities and the opposition, with the involvement of civil society and all stakeholders.  

Mr High Commissioner,

What would be your recommendations in view of the Nicaraguan regional elections in March 2024?

Thank you.