Question Period Note: Nicaragua: Ongoing violent repression of opposition by the government and state-sponsored forces.

Questions may arise regarding the Canadian response to the ongoing situation in Nicaragua involving a range of human rights violations committed by the Government of Nicaragua.

• Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in Nicaragua, including ongoing human rights violations, restrictions on freedom of expression and the press, harassment of those who have returned to the country, and the halting of the dialogue process

• Canada has issued statements condemning violence against unarmed civilians and urging the Government of Nicaragua to protect the rights and safety of all Nicaraguans

• Canada is actively engaged on this issue at the OAS and other multilateral fora

• Canada imposed targeted sanctions against key members of the Government of Nicaragua in response to gross human rights violations committed in Nicaragua. We are working closely with partners to explore how the international community can best respond and contribute to a solution

• Canada is closely following the impact of the situation in the country on the population. We are committed to continue supporting the people of Nicaragua.

Nicaragua has experienced nationwide civil unrest after anti-government protests began in April 2018. Violent clashes between the police, paramilitary forces and protestors caused over 325 deaths; 2,000 people were injured and over 700 people were detained for political reasons. To date, government and state-sponsored forces have not faced accountability for this violence. The Government of Nicaragua has not allowed the OHCHR and the IACHR to return to the country to monitor the human rights situation. The government also faces ongoing allegations of human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, restrictions on freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest.

On June 21, 2019, in coordination with the U.S., Canada imposed sanctions on nine key members of the Government of Nicaragua under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to gross and systematic human rights violations that have been committed in Nicaragua.

Canada has also issued several official statements and messaging on social media platforms condemning violence and human rights violations, and advocating for a return to dialogue as the best mechanism for achieving a peaceful resolution to the crisis. These messages have also been conveyed through diplomatic channels to the Government of Nicaragua.

Canada is actively engaged on the situation, both bilaterally and through the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS), including as a member of the OAS High-Level Commission on Nicaragua, which was mandated to seek a peaceful and effective solution to the situation in Nicaragua. Canada is also co-chair of the OAS Working Group on Nicaragua.

Canada will continue to press for a return to dialogue and urge the Government of Nicaragua to end repression and engage in substantial democratic reform. As the situation shows signs of further deterioration, Canada is considering a range of options, including additional punitive measures.

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