51st session of the Human Rights Council -Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua

Mr President,

Madame Acting High Commissioner,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for her latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua.

We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and consistent attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, religious institutions, and civil society leaders.

We strongly condemn the Nicaraguan Government’s latest assault on the freedoms of association and religion and the arbitrary and unlawful imprisonment of Catholic clerics. We demand that the regime immediately release those imprisoned and cease its harassment against human rights defenders, journalists, clergymen, political opponents and persons considered as such.

We urge Nicaragua to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, including civil and political rights, and to free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end. We call on Nicaragua to cooperate fully with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR.

 Madame Acting High Commissioner,

What concrete steps can be taken to urge Nicaragua to stop arbitrary detentions, and to release political prisoners?

Thank you.