The decision by the Nicaragua government to terminate the presence of the mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) goes against the aim of full accountability for human rights violations and serving justice to the victims of violence.

We expect the authorities to seriously consider the findings of the report issued by the OHCHR and take  urgent action to implement the report's recommendations, in particular the dismantling and disarming of pro-government groups, halting all unlawful arrests and release all those who have been arbitrarily detained.

The presence of international human rights bodies in Nicaragua results from a clear request of all parties in the national dialogue and is essential to restore trust. Full cooperation and access should also be given to the missions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Only a comprehensive dialogue on justice and democracy will permit a peaceful solution to the crisis and respond to the legitimate demands of the population. We call for an urgent resumption of the national dialogue, under the mediation of the episcopal conference.