HRC58 - NB8 statement - ID on the report of Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua

Human Rights Council - 58th session
Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the report of Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States
28 February 2025

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries, Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. We welcome the Group of Experts’ valuable work and report.

We regret the recent announcement by Nicaragua to leave the Human Rights Council.

We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing series of constitutional reforms and dismantling of democratic norms and institutions in Nicaragua, including the deletion of the explicit prohibition of torture.

The Nicaraguan government must stop the systematic repression and violations against human rights defenders as well as political, religious and Indigenous leaders. The Government must secure the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association for all, and allow civil society organizations and universities to operate freely and return the property that has been confiscated from them.

We urge releasing all political prisoners unconditionally and cease the practice of forced exile. The Government must restore citizenship to persons who have been arbitrarily deprived of it, and ensure their safe return to Nicaragua. Their legal records, as well as their access to bank accounts and confiscated property should be restored to the full.

Distinguished experts, how can we ensure human rights for Nicaraguans and stop the democratic backsliding of the country?

Thank you.