The UN Human Rights Council has overwhelmingly renewed the investigative mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN) for another two years, with 29 votes in favour, and only four opposing. This renewal, greater in support compared to the 2023 resolution, comes amidst Nicaragua’s increasing diplomatic isolation and dire human rights crisis. Alongside this, the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is also renewed, ensuring ongoing monitoring and reporting on the situation in Nicaragua.
Established in March 2022 by a coalition of states known as the Core Group, the GHREN continues to address human rights violations as Nicaragua’s government pushes away from key UN bodies. Today’s vote saw support not only from Latin American nations but also from African and Asian states, highlighting the global concern over Nicaragua’s human rights issues. Notably, Mexico, which is not part of the Core Group, also supported the renewal.
Significantly, representatives from the Nicaraguan government were absent during the vote, symbolizing their lack of engagement with these crucial discussions. The GHREN’s renewed mandate enhances its responsibilities, allowing it to present findings before the UN General Assembly in New York, thus escalating international accountability for Nicaragua amid increasing government withdrawal from multilateral platforms.
Advocates emphasised the importance of the resolution, stating that it underscores the irreversible spotlight on Nicaragua’s regime. “With this strong resolution, … isolation will grant them no immunity” – Colectivo 46/2. The group expressed hope that this raised threshold of accountability will compel the government to answer for its extensive human rights violations.
Various human rights leaders echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the GHREN has opened vital international dialogues on accountability and called for the continuation of support for Nicaraguan civil society. They reiterated that the record of violations, including extrajudicial killings and oppressive regimes, necessitates ongoing scrutiny and advocacy, marking a resilient stance against persistent injustice in Nicaragua.
Additionally, newly documented instances of crimes against humanity and political suppression were condemned, particularly focusing on President Daniel Ortega’s consolidation of power and encroachments on Indigenous rights. The GHREN has urged the international community to bolster civil society support and pursue accountability measures in international courts, representing a unified front against Nicaragua’s deteriorating human rights situation.
The UN Human Rights Council has renewed the investigative mandate of the GHREN for Nicaragua, receiving overwhelming support. This renewal emphasises ongoing scrutiny amid Nicaragua’s deepening human rights crisis and withdrawal from key UN bodies. Advocates stress that this decision fortifies international accountability and support for Nicaraguan civil society, highlighting the necessity for justice in the face of egregious violations.
In summary, the renewal of the GHREN’s mandate by the UN Human Rights Council signals a global commitment to addressing the human rights crises in Nicaragua. This movement not only strengthens international accountability but also amplifies the voices of the Nicaraguan civil society. The South American nation faces scrutiny for its withdrawal from multilateral bodies and systematic human rights abuses, demonstrating that isolation will not shield it from responsibility before the world community.
Original Source: ishr.ch
