Nicaragua: Human rights march planned in Managua for December 10 /update 53

Event

The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh) has requested permission to hold their annual march in Managua on Monday, December 10, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the passing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As of Thursday, December 6, authorities have not responded to the request and organizers are continuing preparations for the event. While the event may be canceled, mobilizations and demonstrations on December 10 are possible and clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

National authorities previously rejected a request by another organization to hold a women's rights march, stating that such mobilizations were not permissible for movements under investigation for attempting to overthrow the government. Given Cenidh's previous criticism of President Daniel Ortega, it is possible that a similar justification may be used to deny permission for this event.

Nicaragua has experienced widespread unrest since April 2018 amid calls for President Ortega to step down. The movement has led to frequent protests, deadly clashes, and other violence. Activists accuse the government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, kidnappings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government, and anticipate localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence. Individuals in Nicaragua are also advised to refrain from discussing political topics in public.