Promotion and protection of human rights in Nicaragua

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• This resolution is highly critical of the human rights situation in Nicaragua, including restrictions on civic and democratic space, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests. It accuses the government of “dismantling the rule of law.”
• The resolution also renews the mandate of the group of experts to investigate human rights violations in the country.
• Nicaragua's allies on the Council voted against the resolution.
• Moreover, the resolution was adopted under Item 4, the primary framework for addressing country-specific human rights situations, signaling criticism.

Main Sponsors

Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru

Vote

Yes - 29, No - 4, Abstain - 14, Absent - 0

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Expresses grave concern at the continued deterioration of democracy, the dismantling of the rule of law and the separation of powers, and the grave situation of human rights in Nicaragua, in particular with regard to the enjoyment of civil and political rights…"
• "Condemns in the strongest terms the removal of the explicit recognition of the prohibition of torture from the Constitution of Nicaragua."
• "Expresses concern at the worsening restrictions on civic and democratic space and the repression of dissent in Nicaragua, which includes acts of intimidation, harassment and unlawful or arbitrary surveillance of journalists and other media workers, human rights defenders…"
• "Expresses profound concern at the dramatic increase in the arbitrary cancellation of legal registration of, and the unduly restrictive administrative and financial constraints imposed on, civil society and religious organizations, universities and independent media outlets…"
• "Urgently calls upon the authorities in Nicaragua to cease immediately the use of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as of threats and other forms of intimidation or alternative measures of detention, as a means to repress dissent…"
• "Decides to renew, for a period of two years, the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua as established in its resolution 49/3…"