In a dramatic turn of events, Nicaragua has formally withdrawn from the United Nations Human Rights Council. This decision follows a poignant report revealing President Daniel Ortega’s government as one that systematically quashes human rights, democracy, and religious freedom. Experts highlighted the regime’s extensive repression of dissent, with one stating that the government is effectively at war with its own people.
Ortega’s regime is tightening its grip on power, recently appointing his wife, Rosario Murillo, as co-president and consolidating legislative and judicial control. In response to the U.N.’s criticisms, the government accused international bodies of orchestrating a smear campaign, with Murillo calling the report “falsehoods” and “slander.”
The Nicaraguan government’s focus on religious groups, particularly the Catholic Church, has drawn increasing scrutiny. Legislative measures have led to the cancellation of legal statuses for numerous NGOs, disproportionately affecting Catholic institutions, which have been repressed due to their opposition to government actions and support for student protests in 2019.
International observers have long noted declining religious freedoms in Nicaragua. Following years of monitoring human rights, the U.S. Department of State placed Nicaragua on a Special Watchlist in 2019, escalating its designation to “Countries of Particular Concern” in 2022, triggering potential sanctions. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom documented severe repression against Catholic clergy, including arbitrary arrests and property seizures.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has revealed shocking levels of religious persecution, documenting 222 cases affecting various religious communities, alongside restrictions on religious gatherings and events. Authorities have implemented oppressive measures, such as requiring religious leaders to report to police and threatening detention for noncompliance.
The plight of religious figures is dire; cases include Pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López, sentenced to 23 years on unsubstantiated charges, and two Catholic lay leaders held incommunicado without any updates on their well-being. Despite the Inter-American Human Rights Commission’s calls for protective actions, the Nicaraguan government remains unresponsive.
In total, CSW noted 46 arbitrary detentions of religious leaders in 2024. CSW’s Advocacy Director, Anna Lee Stangl, remarked on the Ortega-Murillo administration’s resolve to extinguish independent civil society and suppress critics. She urged the global community to identify fresh avenues to support Nicaraguan dissidents, whether within or outside the country, considering the government’s unwillingness to engage with entities like the U.N.
Nicaragua has exited the UN Human Rights Council following a report condemning President Ortega’s systematic suppression of rights and religious freedoms. The Ortega administration’s repressive tactics have led to mass detentions of clergy and restrictions on NGOs and religious events. International observers highlight the urgent need for advocacy and support for Nicaraguan dissidents as Ortega tightens his control.
In summary, Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council marks a significant escalation in the government’s oppressive measures against dissent and religious freedom. The country faces increasing international scrutiny due to systematic human rights violations, particularly against religious groups, as documented by multiple human rights organisations. The situation underscores the need for continued global advocacy and support for those standing against Ortega’s regime.
Original Source: www.christianpost.com
