2024-07-20 20:26:00
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turkexpressed his “concern” about the situation in Nicaragua and El Salvador, at the end of a visit to Guatemala.
“We are in frequent contact with Nicaraguan human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations, but it is clear that this is an issue of international concern,” Türk said at a press conference.
The High Commissioner, who arrived in Guatemala on Tuesday, added that “unfortunately” there is no cooperation between the government of President Daniel Ortega and his office, which makes it very difficult to monitor the situation in the country, since they must do so “remotely.”
“The situation in Nicaragua is of great concern,” said Türk, on the day that the Ortega government commemorates the 45th anniversary of the triumph of the Sandinista revolution.
Ortega, who has been in power for 17 years, intensified his persecution of opponents following the massive protests in 2018 that left more than 300 dead.
In the case of El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele is waging a controversial “war” against criminal gangs, Türk said that the “only sustainable way to deal with this violence is by respecting human rights.”
The “war,” which began in March 2022, has led to the imprisonment of more than 81,000 alleged gang members and reduced levels of violence in El Salvador, but human rights organizations question the detention of innocent people under the protection of an exceptional regime.
“The response has to be aligned with international human rights. We have seen that the arrests that are taking place are of particular concern to my office,” he added.
In addition, Türk said that during his visit to Guatemala he was able to “see the firm commitment” of President Bernardo Arévalo, in power since January, to the “rule of law, democracy and human rights.” “I am pleased to see that the human rights agenda is part of the Executive’s programs and activities,” added the High Commissioner, although he warned that “democracy remains in danger” in the country due to groups that try to maintain the “status quo.”