United Nations Human Rights Council

58th session

Interactive Dialogue following the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua

28 February 2025

EU Statement

Mr President,

The European Union thanks the Experts for their report, which clearly documents the deteriorating situation of human rights in Nicaragua. The EU will support the renewal of your mandate, as well as the Office of the High Commissioner, during the present session.

We are concerned about the recent rewriting of the Constitution, which represents another step away from democracy and the rule of law, consolidating the concentration of powers and further undermining the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

The EU calls for the end of repression, including transnational repression, against dissenting voices, political opponents, journalists, civil society, NGOs, including women and indigenous organisations, and religious institutions. We also call for the release of all those who are arbitrarily detained, including political prisoners and those subject to ‘casa por cárcel’. The EU deplores reports of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of these prisoners, as well as the targeting of their relatives, forced expulsion, stripping of citizenship, and confiscation of property. 

We call for the full adherence to international law and obligations enshrined in human rights treaties. We urge Nicaragua to receive and cooperate respectfully with international human rights organisations, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts and the Office of the High Commissioner.

The EU reaffirms its support to the Nicaraguan people and to all efforts aimed at finding a democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the on-going political crisis.

Mr Simon,

What are your views on the impact of the constitutional reform on the situation of human rights, including the creation of a ‘volunteer police force’?

Thank you.