Canada calls for an end to the violence in Nicaragua

July 18, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada calls for an immediate stop to the violence, repression, arbitrary detentions and human rights violations currently taking place in Nicaragua. And we urge the Government of Nicaragua to act immediately to halt paramilitary groups and their actions.

“The ongoing violence against students, members of the clergy, journalists, and political and human rights activists is unacceptable and must end. The disproportionate use of force against students, such as during last weekend in Managua at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua [National Autonomous University of Nicaragua], is deplorable.

“We call on all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and work toward a sustainable solution to the crisis, and for the government of Nicaragua to help create the conditions for safe, peaceful, and constructive discussions. Canada will continue working with partners in the hemisphere to support the Nicaraguan people in finding a peaceful and enduring resolution to the crisis.”