EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue with human rights experts on Nicaragua

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Mr. Chairperson,

The EU thanks you for your work and latest report on the systematic repression of dissenting Nicaraguan voices, including alleged cases of transnational repression. We take due note of the serious violations of human rights reported. 

The EU remains concerned about the persistent challenges of the rule of law and human rights in Nicaragua, including through the reform of the Constitution. It confirms the concentration of powers in the hands of the executive branch, the lack of political pluralism, the deteriorated civic space, and very weak political rights guarantees.

The EU reiterates its call for human rights and fundamental freedoms to be fully respected in Nicaragua, the immediate and unconditional release of those who are arbitrarily detained, including all remaining political prisoners, and the return of international human rights organisations. The EU also reiterates the need to put an end to restrictions on civic space and to respect the right to dissent. 

Repression must end immediately, including alleged transnational repression, against dissenting voices, political opponents, human rights defenders, journalists, civil society and religious institutions.  We are deeply concerned about the impact of these measures on Nicaraguan communities abroad, who face intimidation, statelessness and separation from families. The EU strongly condemns any recourse to torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment on detainees, including sexual violence. We are alarmed by the numerous allegations of such acts documented in the report.

The EU calls on Nicaragua to resume cooperation with key international human rights organisations, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts, the Office of the High Commissioner, and the Human Rights Council, including the Universal Periodic Review. We urge Nicaragua to respect its international obligations and to stop, among others, its deliberate use of the arbitrary deprivation of nationality or prohibition to return. 

The EU reiterates its strong support of the Nicaraguan people and for democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The EU supports all efforts aimed at finding through dialogue a Nicaraguan-led democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the on-going political crisis.

Mr. Chairperson,

Question: How can States better identify, prevent and counter any possible transnational repression? 

Thank you.