Human Rights Council 54th Session
Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report
on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua
Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Estland.
September 12, 2023
Mr President,
Mr High Commissioner,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for his latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua.
We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and consistent attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, religious and academic institutions, and civil society leaders.
We are deeply concerned by the Nicaraguan Government’s decision to confiscate all assets of the Central American University and the detention of three students. We urge the Nicaraguan Government to respect its obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
We call on the Nicaraguan Government to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, including civil and political rights, and to immediately and unconditionally free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end.
Mr High Commissioner,
In light of the latest development in Nicaragua, what concrete steps can the international community take to urge Nicaragua to ensure academic freedom and freedom of expression?
Thank you.