52nd Session of the Human Rights Council: Interactive dialogue on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua

Interactive dialogue on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua

Nordic – Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland

6 March 2023

Mr President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the Group of Human Rights Experts for the latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua.

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

The release of the 222 political prisoners by the Government of Nicaragua marks a constructive move, however we condemn the decision to revoke their citizenship and to strip nationality from a further 94 citizens.

We urge the Nicaraguan Government to respect all civil and political rights, and to free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end. We call on Nicaragua to lift all restrictions on civic space and guarantee all persons their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. We call on Nicaragua to resume full cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR.

Mr President,

What concrete steps can be taken to urge Nicaragua to end impunity and guarantee accountability for all human rights violations?

Thank you.