Canada condemns arrest of political candidates and civil society leaders in Nicaragua

Statement

June 11, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada joins the Organization of American States, the United Nations, international human rights bodies and members of the international community in condemning the arbitrary arrest of political candidates in Nicaragua. The Government of Nicaragua has failed to implement meaningful electoral reforms that are desperately needed and is now further eroding the democratic process with these arbitrary detentions.

“We stand with the Nicaraguan people in their aspirations for a more just and democratic future, which includes a fundamental respect for human rights, media freedom, and the opportunity to make their own democratic choices in free, fair and transparent elections.

“The Government of Nicaragua needs to guarantee the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its people in accordance with international law and its own constitution. International human rights bodies must be allowed to return immediately to the country to monitor the situation and ensure the government is fulfilling these crucial responsibilities.

“Canada calls for the immediate release of the arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned or detained political candidates, as well as the release of all political prisoners, and an end to the arrest and harassment of the independent media and civil society actors. We remain in close contact with our international partners.

“Canadians in Nicaragua should regularly check our Travel Advice and Advisories page, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

“At any time, Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy of Canada to Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua in San José, Costa Rica at +506 2242-4400 or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by calling +1 613 996 8885 collect or by sending an email message to sos@international.gc.ca.”

Contacts

Syrine Khoury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca

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