Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
156. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the work being done to secure the release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20136/23]
View answerI remain gravely concerned by the situation in Nicaragua, particularly the continued human rights violations, and the crackdowns on opposition voices, on civil society and on independent media, together with backsliding on democratic norms.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department, together with our EU partners, and other international and civil society partners, continue to closely monitor the unacceptable detention of the individual referred to in her correspondence. We will continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all other remaining political prisoners.
Ireland and the EU continue to employ all channels of engagement available to call on the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to repression, to release all those unjustly detained, and to restore full respect for human rights in Nicaragua. Ireland fully supported the most recent EU statement on 18 April 2023, which condemned five years of repression in Nicaragua and called for the liberation of all political prisoners, a return to the rule of law, the full return of international human rights organisations, and the establishment of genuine, inclusive dialogue.
In addition, Ireland actively participated in discussions on Nicaragua at the Human Rights Council in March 2023, when we made a National Statement during the dialogue with the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, highlighting that the actions of the Nicaraguan authorities are contrary to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. We also supported and provided input to statements by the EU and other international partners on Nicaragua during that session of the Council, many of which highlighted the issue of political prisoners, as well as endorsing a resolution on the protection of human rights in Nicaragua.
Ireland will continue to work to support the people of Nicaragua, including through the work of the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, in close collaboration with EU Member States and the EU Delegation in Managua.
