HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue following the report of the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua

United Nations Human Rights Council

63^rd Session

Interactive dialogue following the report of the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua

18 September 2026

EU statement

Mr President,

Mr High Commissioner,

The European Union thanks you for this report. 

The EU shares your serious concern about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Nicaragua and the systematic and ongoing dismantling of democratic institutions, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, as well as the widespread repression of dissent, the closure of civic space  and the erosion of due process guarantees.

The EU calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained, including political prisoners, as well as for an end to arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, harassment, surveillance and intimidation, including transnational repression and the arbitrary stripping of nationality. 

The EU calls on Nicaragua to ensure equal conditions for an effective and meaningful participation of all democratic political forces, allowing the registration and operation of political parties. We call on the authorities to guarantee non-discriminatory access to electoral processes, ensuring transparent and inclusive elections underpinned by public debate and information. 

We continue to regret Nicaragua’s disengagement from the Human Rights Council and from the Universal Periodic Review.

We reiterate our call for full respect for international law and human rights obligations, and for the resumption of Nicaragua’s cooperation with international human rights organisations, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts and the Office of the High Commissioner.

We reaffirm our support for the Nicaraguan people and a Nicaraguan-led, democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the ongoing political crisis.

Mr High Commissioner,

What further action can the international community take to support human rights and democratic space in Nicaragua?

Thank you.