Thank you, Madam President,
The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for her statement.
We note her report expresses continued concerns about the repression and restriction of freedom of expression, association, political rights and peaceful assembly, and the use of arbitrary detention. We also note the High Commissioner’s September update underlining the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, journalists, students, Catholic clergy, and others.
The UK remains deeply concerned by the situation in Nicaragua. We call for the release of political prisoners, and condemn the Nicaraguan government’s attempts to suppress political opposition and silence critics. We regret the passing of laws which seek further to limit free speech and restrict political participation in the 2021 presidential elections, such as the “Special Law on Cybercrime”.
The UK urges the Nicaraguan government to end the repression of its citizens and cooperate fully with international human rights bodies. We urge the government to respect democratic principles, comply with international human rights law, and create space for civil society to operate without fear of reprisal.
High Commissioner,
What is your assessment of the prospect of free and fair 2021 Presidential elections?
And what more might the international community do to encourage the government of Nicaragua to fulfil its human rights obligations?
Thank you.
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