In a bold move, Nicaragua has officially withdrawn from the U.N. Human Rights Council, mere days after a damning report spotlighted the oppressive regime led by President Daniel Ortega. The report, released by U.N. experts, condemned the systematic violations of human rights and the suppression of dissent under Ortega’s leadership, declaring that the government is engaged in a “methodical repression” against its own citizens, as asserted by contributor Ariela Peralta.
Riding a wave of power consolidation, Ortega appointed his wife, Rosario Murillo, as co-president, further consolidating control over the legislative and judicial branches. The regime, facing scrutiny from international bodies like the U.N. and the Organization of American States, dismissed the critiques as a smear campaign, with Murillo labelling the recent U.N. report as nothing more than “falsehoods” and “slander.”
Targeting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that threaten its hold, the Ortega government has notably pursued the Catholic Church, which has vocally opposed its human rights abuses and provided refuge to student protestors. Since enacting a controversial law in 2018, thousands of NGOs have had their legal status revoked, marking a drastic step in silencing dissent.
The U.S. Department of State has labelled Nicaragua as a country with severe violations of religious freedom, adding it to its Special Watchlist in 2019 and later elevating it to the Countries of Particular Concern list in 2022. This designation signals strong international concern for the dire state of religious freedom within the nation, carrying potential legislative repercussions.
As the U.S. State Department indicated, both Catholic clergy and laypeople face significant government harassment, characterised by slander, unwarranted investigations, and denial of tax exemptions. Moreover, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom also included Nicaragua on its report, noting worsening conditions for religious freedom and recommending its inclusion on the CPC list due to intensified governmental aggression against the Church and its congregants.
Nicaragua withdrew from the U.N. Human Rights Council following a critical report denouncing President Ortega’s repression of human rights and religious freedoms. Ortega and his wife, Murillo, have consolidated power, dismissing international criticisms as false. The regime has particularly targeted the Catholic Church, resulting in significant violations of religious freedom, leading to heightened sanctions from the U.S. government.
Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the U.N. Human Rights Council amidst severe global criticism highlights the oppressive dynamics under President Ortega’s regime. The systematic targeting of religious and civil freedoms, particularly against the Catholic Church, underscores the international community’s rising alarm over Nicaragua’s deteriorating human rights climate. The ongoing efforts to suppress dissent have led to increasing isolation and challenges for the Ortiz government, affecting its standing both domestically and internationally.
Original Source: www.persecution.org
