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President,
Norway thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her update on Georgia and Nicaragua.
We hope Georgia will remain a reform leader. Efforts are still needed to consolidate democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The right to express critical views, also by civil society, must be respected.
Justice-sector reform must continue. Full independence of courts and judges is essential.
We share Georgia’s concern over the human rights situation in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
President,
Norway remains deeply concerned about reports of serious human rights violations and abuses in Nicaragua, including the disproportionate use of force to repress social protests.
We appreciate recent steps to release prisoners arbitrarily or illegally detained. At the same time we call upon the government to also release the remaining group of such prisoners and thereby providing a crucial incentive for resuming the national dialogue.
Norway is also concerned about the new amnesty law, which could endanger the truth, justice and reparation of victims of the crisis in Nicaragua.
I thank you.