In a bold move, Nicaragua has announced its withdrawal from both the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), deepening its retreat from international bodies amid heightened scrutiny over its human rights practices. Rosario Murillo, who shares governing responsibilities with her husband, President Daniel Ortega, declared that these organisations no longer serve their intended purpose, insisting they propagate a colonial double standard contrary to their mission.
This announcement follows the recent departure from the United Nations Human Rights Council, where experts documented extensive state repression in Nicaragua. In the span of just a short period, Ortega’s government also conveyed intentions to leave the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, responding to alarming reports of increasing famine within the nation’s borders.
Murillo accused the ILO of being politically biased, asserting it fuels instability through its handling of workplace complaints. Moreover, she condemned the IOM for disseminating what she called “false, malicious, and irresponsible information” regarding migration, inciting further unrest with these claims.
At the helm of an increasingly authoritarian regime, Ortega, alongside Murillo, is perceived as consolidating power within a functioning dynasty. First taking office in the 1980s and returning in 2007, he has curtailed dissent, imprisoning hundreds of critics and systematically dismantling over 5,000 NGOs since the tumultuous protests of 2018, where over 300 lives were lost, according to UN estimates.
Nicaragua has declared its exit from the International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organization, citing criticisms of its human rights record as the catalyst. This decision follows a series of withdrawals from international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, amid accusations of state repression and rising famine. The government accuses these organisations of spreading misinformation and bias against Nicaragua.
Nicaragua’s withdrawal from key international organisations underscores its fierce stance against external criticism, particularly concerning human rights abuses. As Ortega’s administration continues to harden its grip on power, the implications for civil liberties and international relations remain stark, highlighting the growing isolation of the country. The regime’s actions reflect a defiant unwillingness to engage with global norms on human rights and governance.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
