Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
Let me begin by thanking the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua for the presentation of their report.
The suppression of human rights in Nicaragua has been relentless. The climate of repression has led to shrinking space for freedom of expression and an independent media, as well as restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly.
Reports of arbitrary detention of political leaders and of members of the Catholic Church by the Nicaraguan authorities represent an unacceptable degradation of citizens' civil and political rights. We further condemn the attacks against freedom of religion and belief.
The release in January of Bishop Álvarez and 18 other clergy from their arbitrary detention is welcomed. However, we are concerned that the Nicaraguan government has expelled these individuals from Nicaragua. The UK calls on President Ortega to fully respect the human rights of all its citizens and for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Nicaragua.
We would welcome the views of the experts on how we can continue to urge the Nicaraguan government to re-establish democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Thank you.
