Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini

24.8.2018

The EU is following very closely the situation in Nicaragua and has already issued several statements in reaction to the deteriorating situation. On 15 May 2018, the EU welcomed the establishment of a national dialogue promoted by the Catholic Church and the decision by the government to invite the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) in Nicaragua, while deploring that violence continues in the country.

On 16 July 2018 the HR/VP has written to the Foreign Minister of Nicaragua, to stress the EU's expectations for an immediate end of violence, repression and arbitrary detentions, and for fundamental freedoms to be respected. The HR/VP expressed her condolences for all the victims of violence and called for its perpetrators to be brought to justice, as well as for the dismantling of irregular armed groups. 

Regarding the decision by all participants in the National Dialogue to invite international organisations, including the European Union, to attend the process, the High Representative has confirmed the EU’s readiness to accompany and support the Dialogue, in particular the Commission on democratisation and electoral matters, with a view to necessary reforms and a fully democratic and timely electoral process.

Only a comprehensive dialogue on justice and democracy will permit a peaceful solution to the crisis in Nicaragua, which responds to the legitimate demands of the population. For this to happen, the HR/VP recalled the need to implement all recommendations of the IACHR and to bring into effective action all Commissions agreed in the Dialogue, notably the Commission on Verification and Security and the ones on Justice and on Democratisation.

In the meantime, to respond to immediate humanitarian needs in the country, the European Union has provided some EUR 300 000 to support access to pre-hospital care and transport of injured victims of violence. Moreover, in line with its principled positions, the EU has reinforced its support to Human Rights Defenders and human rights organisations. The EU is also evaluating how best to support the IACHR Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) and Follow-Up Mechanism for Nicaragua (MESENI), which were recently established in the country.