46th session of the Human Rights Council
ID on High Commissioner report on Nicaragua
(24 February 2021)
Intervention by Ukraine
Madame President,
Ukraine expresses deep concern with the human rights situation in Nicaragua, that, as it is reflected in the High Commissioner report A/HRC/46/21, continues to deteriorate since the unfolding of the sociopolitical and human rights crisis in the country three years ago.
We condemn the persisting restrictions on civic space and the repressions of dissent in Nicaragua, which includes acts of intimidation, harassment and surveillance of human rights defenders, journalists, community and religious leaders, students, and activists.
It is also very deploring that in Nicaragua, against the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic, dozens of doctors, nurses, and other health workers have been fired for treating participants of anti-governmental protests.
We regretfully notice that the Government of Nicaragua has persistently followed the negative examples of other states - human rights abusers, in particular the Russian Federation, by adopting, for example, the Law on the Regulation of Foreign Agents with the aim to dismantle any organization deemed to be critical of the Government.
The Nicaraguan authorities not only violate human rights inside their own country but act as Russia’s proxies in the temporarily occupied Crimea, Ukraine, where the human rights’ abuses by the Russian occupying power have reached the highest degree. We also strongly condemn Nicaragua's action that breaches Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity concerning Crimea.
We support the recommendations contained in the report of the High Commissioner and call upon Nicaragua to abide by them, as well as to comply with state’s obligations under international human rights instruments, which Nicaragua is a party to, and to cooperate closely with the OHCHR and with HRC special procedures, allowing them unhindered access to the country in accordance with the standing invitation extended in 2006.
Ukraine is sincerely interested in democratic, committed to human rights and based on the rule of law Nicaragua. That is why we will support the respective resolution, initiated by the core group of states in this session, and call upon Nicaragua to fully implement it.
I thank you.