Human rights violations in Nicaragua have been ongoing since 2018 when university students and other civil society activists began protesting the new Social Security Act and calling for the president to resign.
The violent crackdown by security forces led by the government of President Daniel Ortega has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, and severely restricted freedom of expression, religion and other rights, according to a “weaponized” justice systemaccording to independent rights experts.
New OHCHR reportcovering a 12-month period from 15 June 2023, based on 120 interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations, civil society and other meetings.
The report said that “The repression of government opponents or those perceived to have dissenting voices has gradually expanded and intensified.“ .
Report results
OHCHRA UN report found that human rights defenders, independent media and other organisations advocating political change without government recognition were targeted by authorities after hundreds of civil society groups were shut down.
“The government continues to crack down not only on those who express dissenting views but also on any individual or organization that operates independently or is not under its direct control,” the report said.
Last week, the Nicaraguan government proposed a draft law that would allow the prosecution of individuals abroad accused of crimes such as money laundering or terrorism, according to reports.
This raises public concerns. that the law could be used to “pressure and intimidate exiled citizens and foreigners who legitimately exercise their right to freedom of expression.”and other rights.”
Increased violence
The report details dozens of cases of detainees being tortured with various forms of sexual abuse and electric shocks.
Indigenous and African people have also experienced various forms of violence, including at least two reported killings by people seeking to seize their land.
“The Murders and other violent attacks, including gender-based violence, arson and illegal dispossession of indigenous land and property have been carried out in a context of widespread impunity.“, the report said.
Religious groups also face further “undue restrictions,” including 27 Catholic priests and seminarians who were wrongfully detained between October 2023 and January 2024, the report cited. In addition, many religious groups have had their legal NGO status revoked.
A ‘multifaceted crisis’
The head of OHCHR, Volker Türk, said the crisis affecting Nicaragua since 2018 is multifaceted and There is a need for “an urgent change of course from the Government”.
“It is heartbreaking to see public space continue to be severely eroded in Nicaragua.and the exercise of basic civil and political rights is becoming increasingly difficult,” said Mr. Türk.
“The 2026 elections open up a new opportunity,” he continued. “It is important that the right to political participation is fully respected so that Nicaraguans can freely and safely decide the future of their country.”
The human rights chief is encouraging the Government to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, ensure fair trials, end torture and ill-treatment, and restore legal status to civil society organizations and opposition parties.
