Canada calls for peace and justice in Nicaragua

Statement

June 22, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the situation in Nicaragua and on today’s related meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS):

“Canada is increasingly concerned with the crisis in Nicaragua.  This nationwide civil conflict has had a devastating impact on the citizens of Nicaragua. It is now posing serious risks to the security of the region.

“We condemn the killings of unarmed protesters by state security forces and paramilitary groups and the crackdowns in Managua and Masaya. The civilian population is being intimidated on a daily basis by these forces. The clear absence of justice and accountability for their crimes is unacceptable. The perpetrators of these actions must be held accountable.

“We urge the Government of Nicaragua to protect the right of its citizens to safe and peaceful protest. Democratic and human rights must be respected.

“Canada fully supports an investigation of the violence by an independent group of experts – agreed to by the Nicaraguan government – from the OAS and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights [IACHR], which will continue to play a key role in investigating human rights violations in Nicaragua."‎

“We look forward to the presentations on this situation at the OAS today. We call on the Government of Nicaragua to implement the initial recommendations of the IACHR and to re-establish meaningful discussions with all parties.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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