UN: Nicaragua moving away from rule of law

By L’Osservatore Romano

Nicaragua is moving "further away" from the rule of law and, in particular, "fundamental freedoms, exacerbating the suffering of the people, fueling the exodus of young people, and undermining the future of democratic institutions."

This is the scenario outlined by the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, as she offered an update in Geneva on the situation in the Central American country.

Describing herself as "discouraged," Ms. Al-Nashif denounced that the authorities in Managua continue to "persecute those who can contribute with an alternative vision to the public sphere, such as political and indigenous leaders, members of the Catholic Church, activists, and journalists."

In this context, she emphasized that "restrictions on civic space persist, with repeated cases of arbitrary detention against those exercising their fundamental freedoms."

On Tuesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced the closure of its humanitarian mission in Nicaragua "at the request" of the Managua government, as reported in a statement.

The Red Cross’ office in the capital has already been closed.

Last May, Nicaragua’s Parliament, controlled by President Daniel Ortega's Sandinista Front, unanimously approved the dissolution of the Red Cross, active since 1931, accusing it of violating neutrality during anti-government protests.

The regional representation of the ICRC for Mexico and Central America, however, reiterated its "willingness to resume dialogue and humanitarian action in Nicaragua.”