Canada imposes third round of sanctions in response to ongoing human rights violations in Nicaragua

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the imposition of sanctions against an additional 11 individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Nicaragua) Regulations in response to ongoing human rights violations in Nicaragua.

Over the last 3 years, Canada and the international community have repeatedly called on the regime of Daniel Ortega to change course and seek a peaceful and democratic resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Instead, the Ortega regime has taken Nicaragua further down the path of authoritarianism. Nicaraguans have been stripped of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Ortega regime arrested and detained political opponents, repressed independent media, and forced civilians and civil society leaders into exile for fear of imprisonment. The regime has robbed the Nicaraguan people of their fundamental human right to vote in free, fair and inclusive elections.

Canada continues to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political leaders, journalists, activists and other pro-democracy prisoners in Nicaragua and for the full restoration of their civil and political rights.

We are using all our diplomatic tools to support the people of Nicaragua and hold accountable this oppressive regime and those that facilitate its abuses. Today's announcement supports this commitment.

Canada's new measures add to previously imposed Canadian sanctions on Nicaraguan officials. Canada welcomes the decisive actions taken by its international partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and will continue to work with them to leverage support and put pressure on the regime to restore democracy and respect human rights.

Canada and the international community stand with the Nicaraguan people in their aspirations for a more peaceful, just and democratic future.