Skip to main content

51st Session of the Human Rights Council

Statement on Nicaragua

Mr. President,

I make this intervention on behalf of 46 countries.

We thank the High Commissioner and her Office for her new comprehensive report, which showcases the self-isolation of the authorities of Nicaragua from cooperation with human rights mechanisms. This attitude constitutes more evidence of the lack of responsibility and accountability from Nicaragua's international human rights obligations, resulting in the continued and progressive deterioration of human rights in the country.

Nicaragua has continued to suppress the rights to freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and of religion; this year alone, it has cancelled the legal personality of 1112 human rights, development and other organizations, professional associations, including medical associations, and others. Twelve universities have also had their legal personality cancelled, impacting the right to education. The enjoyment of the freedom of opinion and expression also worsened, with more journalists being forced into exile, and by the recent closure of 12 radio and television media outlets of the Catholic Church, especially in Matagalpa.

Without delay Nicaragua should reinstitute the national dialogue. Furthermore, in view of the upcoming November municipal elections, it is particularly concerning that recommendations by the OHCHR to reform Nicaragua's electoral body have not been undertaken.

We once again urge the authorities of Nicaragua to collaborate openly with human rights mechanisms, restore civic space, release all political prisoners, guarantee judicial independence, end politically motivated detentions and the repression of independent media, as well as of minorities, cooperate with the OHCHR, and implement its recommendations.

We reiterate our commitment to and solidarity with the Nicaraguan people and call on this Council to continue to take concrete measures to promote and protect their human rights.

Thank you.  

List of signatory States (as of 13 September 2022, 09h00):

  1. Australia
  2. Austria
  3. Brazil
  4. Belgium
  5. Bulgaria
  6. Canada
  7. Chile
  8. Colombia
  9. Costa Rica
  10. Croatia
  11. Cyprus
  12. Czech Republic
  13. Denmark
  14. Ecuador
  15. Estonia
  16. Finland
  17. France
  18. Georgia
  19. Germany
  20. Greece
  21. Guatemala
  22. Hungary
  23. Ireland
  24. Italy
  25. Latvia
  26. Liechtenstein
  27. Lithuania
  28. Luxembourg
  29. Malta
  30. Monaco
  31. Netherlands
  32. New Zealand
  33. Norway
  34. Panama
  35. Paraguay
  36. Peru
  37. Poland
  38. Portugal
  39. Romania
  40. Slovakia
  41. Slovenia
  42. Spain
  43. Sweden
  44. Switzerland
  45. Ukraine
  46. United Kingdom
  47. United States of America
Back to top