UK Statement for the interim oral update by the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Nicaragua

Statement from the UK for the Intersessional dialogue on the interim oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua.

"Thank you, High Commissioner. 

We share widespread concern about the constant degradation of human rights in Nicaragua. We call on the Nicaraguan authorities to review and support the recommendations made at Nicaragua's Universal Periodic Review last month.

The recent constitutional reforms represent a further tragic chapter in the deterioration of Nicaraguans' civil, political, and other human rights. This includes the establishment of a Co-President, extension of the Presidential term, increased power to strip Nicaraguans of their citizenship, and the undermining of the separation of powers of the state.

In addition, the reports of harassment and arbitrary detention, and the concerning trend of exiling and removing the citizenship of opposition figures continue; we are alarmed by reports that at least 30 individuals were arbitrarily detained between 22nd and 29th November alone. This is compounded by the recent elimination of the constitutional prohibition of torture.

We again urge the Nicaraguan authorities to re-establish democratic, religious and other freedoms in Nicaragua.

Thank you."