WASHINGTON, DC — Following the Nicaraguan national assembly’s official decree revoking the legal status of 25 civil society organizations, citing administrative matters, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) People, Land & Resources Program Director, Carla García Zendejas, issued the following statement:
“We are appalled by the Nicaraguan National Assembly’s decision to revoke the legal status of 25 civil society organizations that have been committed to improving people’s lives in Nicaragua for decades. Revoking their legal status is the definition of closing civic space precisely when communities most need organizations.
“The Nicaraguan government should applaud and support organizations that continue to dedicate their work to promoting health, education, and the protection of the environment and human rights. People’s involvement in the decisions that affect their way of life is fundamental to ensuring democracy, and at the core of this right is the freedom to associate and come together to achieve these goals
“We stand in solidarity with affected parties, including our partners from Centro Humboldt in Nicaragua as they face this crushing decision and hope that their mission for environmental sustainability in Nicaragua can continue.”
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Media contact: Cate Bonacini, press(at)ciel.org, +1-202-742-5847
Posted on March 18th, 2022