Today, the countries of the Americas have taken an important step forward in support of democracy in Nicaragua and the rights of the Nicaraguan people.
Through the Organization of American States, our member states have agreed on a concrete process to pursue diplomatic engagement, assess progress, and determine further action. We now have a mechanism to carry this work forward, with clear responsibilities and deadlines.
The purpose is to help create the conditions in which Nicaraguans can exercise their rights freely and determine their own political future through democratic institutions and free, fair, and inclusive elections.
The resolution adopted today sets out the immediate, concrete, and verifiable steps needed from the Nicaraguan authorities. These include the unconditional release of all political prisoners and disclosure of the whereabouts and condition of those subjected to enforced disappearance. It calls for the restoration of nationality and associated rights to those arbitrarily deprived of them, and for their safe and voluntary return without fear of reprisals.
It also calls for the restoration of civic space and fundamental freedoms, so that independent media, civil society, religious institutions, universities, and businesses can operate freely. Restoring the independence of state institutions, the separation of powers, and political pluralism is essential, as are credible electoral institutions and international electoral observation.
These are practical conditions for Nicaraguans to participate in public life, rebuild confidence in their institutions, and shape their country's future.
To advance these objectives, the resolution establishes a Ministerial Follow-up Group on Nicaragua, supported by the technical capabilities of the OAS General Secretariat. The Group is to begin its work within 30 days of today's adoption. It will seek prompt and direct dialogue with the Nicaraguan authorities and endeavor to visit the country, preferably with foreign ministers leading that engagement.
It will also engage the full spectrum of Nicaragua's political, social, religious, and business sectors, including the opposition, civil society, and Nicaraguan communities in exile. A credible path forward must listen to the people whose lives and future are at stake. I applaud Member States for including this in the resolution, it shows we are all thinking holistically about the future of Nicaragua. It is noteworthy that, for the first time, the Region sees these actors as legitimate stakeholders to contribute to defining Nicaragua's democratic future, especially when civic space inside the country has been restricted.
The resolution also determines that. within 60 days of today's adoption, the Group is to submit recommendations to this Meeting of Consultation, including concrete diplomatic and legal actions that exclude the use of force and are consistent with international law.
The Meeting of Consultation will remain formally open. Its Chair is authorized to reconvene it within 90 days of the Group's first meeting, or sooner if circumstances require. This is relevant: It means the issue has the Member States' sustained attention and follow-up.
The resolution also encourages support for investigating and documenting serious human rights violations and preserving evidence. Accountability remains essential to a lasting democratic recovery.
As Secretary General, I will ensure that the General Secretariat provides the technical support entrusted to it. Our diplomatic experience, expertise, and institutional continuity will help member states translate today's decisions into sustained engagement. In addition to this support, the General Secretariat will continue working on its current mandates towards Nicaragua, as additional efforts to that common goal of restoring democracy.
We are realistic about the challenges ahead. Progress will depend on concrete changes in Nicaragua and on our determination to follow through. Today's decision gives us a stronger basis for that work.
The OAS has brought the countries of this hemisphere together around a shared responsibility and an agreed course of action. We will use that opportunity to pursue peaceful solutions, support democratic rights, and keep the aspirations of the Nicaraguan people at the center of our efforts.
Reference: S-104
