Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ms. Branka Bell
Human Rights Council – 52nd Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States thanks the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua.
While we welcomed the release of 222 political prisoners by the Government of Nicaragua, we remain gravely concerned about the deterioration of human rights and the rule of law in Nicaragua. Following their expulsion, the regime stripped these individuals, as well as 94 others, of their citizenship and reportedly seized their property in Nicaragua.
These deplorable acts signal a significant step backward for the Nicaraguan people and are inconsistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides that everyone has a right to a nationality.
We call on the Nicaraguan government to restore political participation, freedom of expression, and freedoms of association and peaceful assembly. We stand with the Nicaraguan people in their calls for a restoration of civil liberties and democracy.
We urge the Government of Nicaragua to re-engage with the international community, avail itself of technical assistance, allow international election observers into the country, and re-establish dialogue to restore democracy.
How can the international community help the Group of Human Rights Experts effectively meet its mandate and objectives?
I thank you.
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