Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Belgium, Luxembourg and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We thank the UN High Commissioner for his report. 

We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Nicaragua, characterised by the erosion of the rule of law and increasing restrictions of fundamental freedoms. The report shows how the government has created a systematic climate of repression, in flagrant violation of international human rights law. Arbitrary measures, such as revoking the nationality of its citizens, prohibiting the return of nationals from abroad or arbitrary detentions, have compounded these violations and deepened human suffering. 

We deeply regret Nicaragua’s disengagement from the Human Rights Council, and its increasing isolation from the international human rights system. Such steps strip Nicaraguan citizens of vital protections. 

We strongly urge Nicaragua to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all individuals. We encourage the authorities to fully implement the recommendations it has received, including taking measures to uphold democracy and rule of law, and to end arbitrary detention, revocation of nationality and enforced disappearance. We further urge Nicaragua to reinstate the legal status of civil society organizations and reconsider participation in the Council.  

Mr. High Commissioner, 
With Nicaragua retreating from the international human rights system, how can we, the international community, ensure that Nicaragua is held accountable for their obligations under international human rights law?