On April 1, 2025, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) united with six other organisations advocating for press freedom to denounce the Nicaraguan government’s lack of cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This vital process examines the human rights records of member states and has generated 279 recommendations specifically for Nicaragua.
The adoption of Nicaragua’s final UPR report was slated for March 26 during the 58th UN Human Rights Council session. Unfortunately, the Nicaraguan government did not submit its report or attend this pivotal meeting, resulting in the suspension of the procedure. This incident follows Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council just a month earlier, in February 2025.
The joint statement from the organisations highlights the concerning implications of Nicaragua’s failure to complete the review, suggesting it reflects a troubling trend of neglect towards international human rights norms. They call upon the Human Rights Council to implement measures that will allow the evaluation process to resume, underscoring the importance of accountability and adherence to human rights standards.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, along with six other organisations, condemned Nicaragua for failing to cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review. Scheduled for adoption on March 26, Nicaragua did not submit its report, prompting a suspension of the review process. The groups stress the urgency for the Human Rights Council to take measures to advance the evaluation.
The joint statement from CPJ and six other press freedom organisations underscores a significant concern regarding Nicaragua’s commitment to international human rights protocols. The failure to engage with the UPR process not only stymies progress but also raises alarms about the government’s disregard for human rights. It is crucial for the Human Rights Council to take appropriate action to ensure this evaluation process recommences and upholds global human rights advocacy.
Original Source: cpj.org
