The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Amb. Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today at the Interactive dialogue with the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, in the framework of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council.
Italy expressed deep concern about the ongoing authoritarian drift and the serious and systematic human rights violations in Nicaragua, which were reported by the Group of Experts. “We deplore the destruction of civic and democratic space, the widespread repression against political opponents, religious leaders, journalists and media, intellectuals, civil society and human rights defenders”, the Permanent Representative of Italy stated, by mentioning sham trials, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture, exile and deprivation of nationality used by the Nicaraguan Authorities.
Italy then urged the Nicaraguan Government to restore the rule of law and democracy, and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and expression, media freedom and freedom of religion or belief. Italy also reiterated its call for the unconditional release of political prisoners still in jail and for the resumption of a genuine and constructive dialogue between Government and civil society.
Italy finally confirmed its support for the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and for the renewal of the mandate of the Group of the Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, calling on Nicaragua to grant them collaboration and access to the country, and to cooperate with international and regional mechanisms, in view of next Universal Periodic Review scheduled for the end of 2024.
Read the full statement here.
