PLEASE READ, THEN CLICK AT THE BOTTOM TO SIGN THIS STATEMENT. THANKS!
We, the undersigned, stand firmly in support of Nicaragua as a sovereign nation. We are alarmed and offended by the November 10 White House notice regarding Nicaragua, of a “national emergency” originally declared in 2018, now set to continue through November 27, 2023. The notice falsely claims that Nicaragua poses “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States. We also observe the escalating use of sanctions on Nicaragua by the US and its allies. Therefore, we demand the following of all other governments, media outlets, and nongovernmental organizations:
- Respect the right of the Nicaraguan people to choose their own leaders, to govern themselves, and to determine their own path to development.
- Lift all coercive measures (aka “sanctions”) against Nicaragua. These measures are illegal under international law, as they violate the human rights of the Nicaraguan people. They cause immense political, social, and economic suffering, especially to the most vulnerable in society.
- In describing or dealing with Nicaragua, use a consistent set of standards for comparison with any other nation, regardless of its chosen economic system or sphere of influence.
- Be accurate when discussing Nicaragua, in foreign policy statements and in news and social media:
- Avoid the use of pejorative terms and negative statements not backed by evidence.
- Acknowledge Nicaragua’s advancement of many human rights – political, civil, social, economic, cultural, and collective – for its own people and for all other nations. Support such comprehensive and uniform human rights standards for all peoples of the world.
- Recognize Nicaragua’s significant achievements, worthy of emulation by other countries.
We urge other governments and media to strive for accuracy, rather than demonizing Nicaragua and dismissing or ignoring its achievements. Nicaragua’s policies and government programs have made major improvements in the lives of its people, through massive advances in health care, education, housing and other public services which provide a lesson in how state investment can be used effectively to everyone’s benefit.
Many governments and media have consistently misrepresented the US-funded coup attempt in 2018 and its damage, blaming all violence on the police and not on the criminals who orchestrated it. They avoid mention of evidence and allegations against those more recently rearrested for again attempting to incite insurrection. As in the 1980s, misinformation supports such destabilization efforts. Adding to the injury is the failure to acknowledge the damaging effects of the pandemic, three destructive hurricanes, and escalating sanctions.
Despite all these challenges, the Nicaraguan government has managed to provide considerable security for its citizens. Nicaragua’s community-based policing has generated the people’s trust and support, and has ensured that Nicaragua does not suffer the violence generated by drugs and gangs commonplace in the rest of the region. The robust response to Covid-19 enabled Nicaragua to have one of the lowest excess death rates in the Americas. Its disaster response has prevented the many deaths seen in neighboring countries from the same hurricanes and floods. Nicaragua’s economy has recovered, and effects of poverty have been mitigated, while the US government and allied media claim the people are suffering from oppression and corruption.
Sanctions against Nicaragua must end. Unilateral coercive measures are illegal under international law. Through the effects on Nicaragua’s government programs and employment, they are especially unjust for the poorest people in the country. During the pandemic, sanctions prevented the health service from accessing vital equipment. Many sanctioned individuals are government officials delivering vital public services, yet they are prevented from signing financial contracts or administering systems linked to international finance. These coercive measures are tightening a stranglehold on economic recovery, deterring business investment, and putting jobs at risk. They are also counterproductive because they drive emigration (even though the rate for Nicaragua is still well below that of most neighboring countries).
For all the reasons stated above, we demand justice for Nicaragua, a cessation of interference with its sovereignty, and respect for its achievements.
Click here to sign (easy form)