Canada welcomes United Nations report on human rights in Nicaragua

August 31, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement welcoming the United Nations report on human rights abuses in Nicaragua:

“Canada welcomes and fully supports the UN Human Rights Office report on human rights violations in Nicaragua, which reinforces the findings and recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reports concerning this crisis.

“The report makes important conclusions on the harassment, intimidation, attacks and arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders and protesters by the Government of Nicaragua. Freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the right to peaceful demonstration must be respected. The report also highlights a disproportionate use of force on the part of government and notes the escalation of violence.

 “Canada remains committed to working with partners, including through the Working Group on Nicaragua at the Organization of American States, where Canada is collaborating with member states to support efforts to encourage effective and inclusive dialogue. We support the people of Nicaragua in finding an enduring and peaceful solution to the crisis.”

Associated links

• United Nations Human Rights - Office of the High Commissioner: Human Rights Violations and Abuses in the Context of Protests in Nicaragua, 18 April to 18 August 2018
• Inter-American Commission on Human Rights