IACHR condemns massive closure of civil society and religious organizations in Nicaragua

August 22, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the decision of the Daniel Ortega regime in Nicaragua to cancel the legal status of 1,500 civil society organizations, including at least 700 of a religious nature. This action intensifies the repression in Nicaragua, demonstrating the relentless onslaught against pluralism and the deliberate closure of civic and democratic space in the country.

On August 19, 2024, the IACHR received information about the decision of the Ministry of the Interior to cancel the legal status of 1,500 organizations through ministerial agreement 38-2024-OSFL, published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta. According to the agreement, the causes for the cancellation are said to be "not reporting" their financial statements for periods ranging from one to 35 years. It also establishes that the destination of the movable and immovable assets of these organizations will correspond to the Attorney General's Office for their transfer to the name of the State.

Also, on August 16, 2024, the Vice President of the Republic announced the presentation of legislative initiatives to establish a new model for the operation of non-governmental organizations, called "Partnership Alliances". This model would require that all civil society projects or programs be developed in collaboration with state institutions, prior approval of the Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic.

These actions evidence once again the repressive policy of the Government to completely eradicate the civic and democratic space in Nicaragua. This is made possible by the subordination of all branches of government to the Executive, which has been amply documented by the Commission.

Since the beginning of the human rights crisis in Nicaragua, the Special Follow-up Mechanism for Nicaragua (MESENI) has recorded the closure of more than 5,000 civil society organizations by the State, including more than 1,200 religious foundations. To date, in 2024, more than 1,600 organizations have been affected by the cancellation of their legal status, most of them accompanied by the confiscation and illegitimate appropriation of assets.

In the report Closing Civic Space in Nicaragua, the IACHR concluded that the massive closure of organizations has severely limited the ability of civil society to participate actively in political, social, cultural and religious life, as well as in the promotion and defense of human rights and the return of democracy.

In light of these facts, the IACHR reiterates the recommendations established in the aforementioned report, among them, to bring domestic legislation in line with international human rights standards and in particular, to take into account the Declaration of Inter-American Principles on the Legal Regime for the Creation, Operation, Financing and Dissolution of Non-Profit Civil Organizations.

The Commission also reiterates its urgent call to the Nicaraguan State to immediately cease repressive actions and reestablish the full exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms in the country.

The Commission urges the international community to redouble its efforts to demand respect for human rights in Nicaragua and to support civil society and religious organizations that, despite the adversities, continue to fight for justice, freedom and democracy in the country.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 189/24

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