Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
346. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he is taking to support the development of democratic norms in Nicaragua; the steps that he is taking to urge the European Union to take a stronger stance against ongoing oppression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24160/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am gravely concerned at the situation in Nicaragua. The human rights violations, crackdowns on opposition voices and independent media, and backsliding on democratic norms that have been observed in Nicaragua since 2018, and which have intensified since the November 2021 elections, are unacceptable and deeply alarming.
The expulsion of dozens of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) from the country, as well as the expulsion of international human rights bodies and the recent expulsion of the Organisation of American States, is also extremely worrying, and constitute further examples of Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the global rules-based order.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, has urged the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to all repression and restore full respect for human rights, including by allowing the return of international human rights bodies and NGOs to Nicaragua, and to release political prisoners. We will continue to do so by all means possible, through our engagement in Dublin, at EU level, and on the ground through our Embassy in Mexico, which covers Nicaragua, and the EU Delegation in Managua.
In addition, Ireland fully supports the EU sanctions in place on various individuals and entities that are responsible for serious human rights violations in Nicaragua. Ireland is prepared to support any additional EU measures that are aimed at supporting democratic norms and human rights in Nicaragua and that do not impact negatively on the population.
From 2012 to 2021, Ireland provided just under €12 million in funding to Nicaragua, reflecting the solidarity of the Irish people with the people of Nicaragua. This funding focused on the areas of governance and human rights, gender equality, food security, nutrition and environmental sustainability, and was channelled through Irish Non-Governmental Organisations. Given the hostile situation towards NGOs in Nicaragua, discussions with partners in relation to the appropriate channelling of bilateral funding for 2022 are ongoing; funding is likely to target access to, and sustainable use of, natural resources, and tackle gender-based violence amongst Nicaraguan migrant women who have had to flee the country. We will also continue to support the EU development cooperation programme in Nicaragua.
I can assure the Deputy that we will continue working to support the people of Nicaragua however possible, and to support a return to democratic norms.
