Joint Statement by the Core Group on the Human Rights Situation in Nicaragua – 51st session HRC
Interactive dialogue on the UN High Commissioner’s comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua (as requested by HRC/RES/49/3)
As Delivered by Mr. Alejandro Davalos Davalos, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ecuador
Geneva, Switzerland
Mr. President,
I make this intervention on behalf of over 40 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. Ireland
22. Italy
23. Latvia
24. Liechtenstein
25. Lithuania
26. Luxembourg
27. Malta
28. Monaco
29. Netherlands
30. New Zealand
31. Norway
32. Panama
33. Paraguay
34. Peru
35. Poland
36. Portugal
37. Romania
38. Slovakia
39. Slovenia
40. Spain
41. Sweden
42. Switzerland
43. United Kingdom
44. United States of America
45. Uruguay
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