A repressive climate prevails in Nicaragua

The UN Human Rights Office warned this Monday that the situation of these guarantees continues to deteriorate in Nicaragua, with the government adopting increasingly repressive policies that increase the power of the State to punish dissent.

In one oral update to the Human Rights Council In its most recent report on that Central American country, the Office highlighted the capabilities of government surveillance and prosecution of activities it deems politically motivatedincluding social networks.

The deputy high commissioner for Human Rights, in charge of presenting the report, noted that the government has also been stripping citizens of their nationality and propertyleaving many people stateless.

“In the country a repressive climate prevails and of great severity,” said Nada Al Nashif.

constitutional amendment

On November 22, the National Assembly of Nicaragua approved an amendment to the Constitution that extends the presidential term from five to six years, elevates the role of the vice presidency to that of “co-presidency,” and eliminates the constitutional prohibition on censoring the press.

It also establishes that all fundamental rights can be suspended during a state of emergency and lowers the threshold that allows the intervention of the army in internal police action, which can now be requested by the government whenever the “stability” of the State requires it.

Al Nashif indicated that these reforms are intended to concentrate more power in the presidency and to criminalize the voice of any dissident.

“This further undermines democracy and deepens the repression of civic spacegenerating greater anxiety in Nicaragua, as well as among Nicaraguans in exile,” he added.

Arbitrary arrests and torture

Arbitrary arrests continue political opponents, indigenous leadershuman rights defenders and religious figures, and there are numerous reports of torture and forced disappearances.

Al Nashif specified that the situation is especially serious for the indigenous communities of the Autonomous Region of the North Caribbean Coast, where the violence and sexual assault by the colonists.

The deputy high commissioner explained that the reforms implemented contain many provisions that allow the legislative, judicial and electoral interference; and also noted ambiguous points that limit fundamental guarantees “including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

“Recognition of the prohibition of torture has also been omitted, which is especially serious,” he stressed.

No to constitutional changes

Many of these changes strengthen the powers of the government vis-à-vis citizens and individuals, many of whom have had their assets confiscated.

In this context, urged to reject the constitutional changes, and called for the immediate release of those detained and an end to forced disappearances and torture.

The Human Rights Office also advocated for reestablishment of democratic institutions and dialogue for the benefit of Nicaraguans, and called on the international community to intensify support for these efforts.