Clément Voule, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association, and Pedro Vaca Villareal, IACHR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, have written several letters to the Government stating that reason why the deregulation of hundreds of associations “represents a clear pattern of civic space repression”.
Surname speak that since April 2018, Nicaragua has adopted a “strategy of censorship” and developed a “clear pattern of repression of civic space”.
Important point
Dissident voices have been targeted, including journalists, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, academics, students, members of the Catholic Church, political parties. political factions and opponents of the government.
Due to the shutdown and the government’s co-options of civic spaces and democratic participation, they are concerned about the growing restrictions on basic freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, which are currently under way. reach the critical point.
“The state of Nicaragua must immediately put an end to the judicial crackdown on all dissenting voicesrelease those imprisoned for political reasons, and ensure prompt, objective and thorough investigations into allegations of human rights violations that hold those responsible accountable responsibility and provide effective remedies to victims,” they said.
Humanitarian impact
Their joint statement sets out important steps to promote and protect the re-establishment of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression.
Human rights experts stress that restrictions on fundamental freedoms not only lead to human rights violations, but also have humanitarian effects.
Currently, there are more than 200 political prisoners in Nicaragua, they said, and many are being held in unhealthy conditions “without adequate medical care, subjected to solitary confinement, and subjected to solitary confinement. family prevents, among other cruel people, inhuman and degrading treatment.”
They reiterated that all those deprived of their liberty have the right to life and to be treated with humanity and respect, urging the Government to comply.
Attracting countries
They also called on the international community to take action, including the implementation of humanitarian assistance measures “appropriate to the seriousness of the allegations received”.
Experts are further concerned about the ongoing crackdown on various members of civil society who have been forced to leave Nicaragua and ask for humanitarian assistance.
“Under international human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law, States are called upon to open their borders and ensure emergency entry into their territories for members of civil society. are seeking international protection or express urgent humanitarian needs, including recognition of refugee status,” they said.
About UN experts
As the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Mr. Voule is part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the United Nations. Dong Nhan Quyen Associationbased in Geneva.
Special procedure experts monitor and report on country-specific situations or topical issues, such as freedom of assembly and association.
Professionals work on a voluntary basis, independent of any government or organization, and serve as individuals.
They are not employees of the United Nations and are not paid for their work.
