problems in nicaragua today

03:18 At least 7 Nicaraguan opposition leaders detained ahead of election 04:00 See drones used by Russian military China is selling on Alibaba 02:54 Aerial footage shows homes underwater after. There have been widespread protests against a corrupt government and these are sometimes met with force. Make sure your children stay away from stray animals. If youre not in a hurry to get anywhere and fancy a local (if uncomfortable) experience, we sayuse them! A man walks in front of jerseys with pictures of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and other revolutionary leaders at Bolivar to Chavez Avenue on June 27, 2021 in Managua, Nicaragua. A week after Blinkens effort at diplomacy in Costa Rica, the Biden administration announced it was levying economic sanctions on several Nicaraguans, including one of Ortega and Murillos children. The OHCHR noted persistent restrictions on civic space, particularly the governments targeting of journalists and human rights defenders, and that the 2019 Amnesty Law had furthered impunity for serious human rights abuses. The Ortega government has continued to bring criminal cases against protesters and critics. Trump national security adviser John Bolton labeled Nicaragua as part of the troika of tyranny, alongside Venezuela and Cuba, and the Trump team sanctioned several Nicaraguan officials as it sought to ease Ortega and Murillos grip on power. In 2018, however, it has been severely affected by political unrest. In March 2020, Melvin Alberto Urbina Saavedra died after police beat him in detention, his family reported to the Nicaraguan Human Rights Center (CENIDH), an NGO. There are some great hotels to stay at, homestays to enjoy, and a lot of local culture to soak up. So whether or not you want to listen to these warnings is up to you. In 2018, Ortega used official security forces as well as pro-government paramilitary groups to crush massive anti-governments protests; at least 300 people died and more than 100,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since that crackdown. The urban infrastructure is inhibited greatly by the unrest. The regime is very paranoid, theyre very erratic, said Berg, the CSIS senior fellow. There was a time when Nicaragua was a great place to take your family. With those laws and other moves, Ortega and Murillo have come a long way from their days as rebels fighting to oust a dictatorship. "The People of Nicaragua are not asking for permission to exercise their Right to National Sovereignty, Independence and Self-determination. A brutal crackdown by the National Police and armed pro-government groups left over 300 dead and 2,000 injured in 2018, and resulted in hundreds of arbitrary arrests and prosecutions. Both hosts and guests can rate each other which creates a very respectful and trustworthy interaction. While Nicaragua is not a country for first-time travellers, its definitely a great destination for experienced backpackers. Authorities reported 21 police officers killed in the context of demonstrations. You should be able to see the drivers company name, and the license plate itself should be clear, too. Driving in Nicaragua is possible and people do rent cars and have an incredible time exploring for themselves. Nicaragua: Ortega crackdown deepens as 94 opponents stripped of citizenship Some of country's most celebrated writers and journalists targeted as critics condemn 'totalitarian drift' under. However, you wont face any other issues as an LGBTQ+ traveller. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. Renting an Airbnb in Nicaragua is a great idea. Its been Kafka-esque, he told POLITICO in a phone interview. UN: Growing Repression in Nicaragua Spurring Political, Social and Human Rights Crisis. Sadly, Nicaragua has been experiencing a lot of turbulence in recent years. There has to be a strong message to the Nicaraguan government that the United States and the region soundly reject that dictatorial situation., Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) added in a statement: The Biden administration must hold this undemocratic regime which continues to censor the press and imprison its political opponents accountable for its crimes.. But the countrys democracy has been eroding for quite some time, thanks largely to the machinations of Ortega and Murillo. Sen. Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is spearheading the Nicaragua-focused RENACER Act. Its still fairly safe to go to Nicaragua for families. If you dont fancy sharing, make sure you agree on a solo journey and agree on the price before you get in. He was accused of dissemination of false information to instill instability and insecurity that endangers national sovereignty after he allegedly said the state and its institutions had deliberately failed to investigate the murders of Indigenous persons in the North Caribbean Coast in 2020 and 2021. Enjoy your travels! Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. Not only that, Granada has also developed a pretty solid infrastructure which makes it one of the safest cities to visit in Nicaragua. Given all the recent reports, it's no wonder so many ask if Nicaragua is safe. Spanish, Indigenous, and Creole flavours mix in a tantalisingly tasty cuisine offering in Nicaragua. Those harassed are unable to visit friends and family, attend meetings, go to work, or participate in protests or political activities. Rates of domestic abuse, violence against women, and femicide, defined in Nicaraguan law as a crime committed by a man who murders a woman in the public or private sphere, have increased since 2019, OHCHR reported in February 2021. The bill includes requiring more sanctions coordination with other countries and expanding oversight of international lending to Managua. Theres often a shortage of fuel, frequent power outages, somewhat limited food supplies, and a heavily censored media. We recommend booking a taxi through your hostel. The report documents many actions by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortegas government aimed at controlling and prosecuting dissidents and political opponents. In December 2020, the National Assembly passed the Law for the Defense of Peoples Rights to Independence, Sovereignty, and Self-determination for Peace, prohibiting so-called traitors from running for or holding public office. We recommend turning right (as you face the ocean) and walking along the beach, over the rocks and onto the next beach to enjoy stunning views and clear water. But the foreign minister was non-committal, at best, when he wasnt sticking to meaningless talking points. The 2012 American Solar Challenge is a 1,600-mile race that will conclude in St. Paul on July 21. In November, the OAS Permanent Council condemned the elections saying they were not free, fair or transparent, and lack[ed] democratic legitimacy.. Ortega and Murillo have a long and bloody history in Nicaraguan politics one dotted with references to witchcraft, imperialism, erotica and Ronald Reagan. While most fleeing Nicaraguans have gone to Costa Rica, thousands have gone to Mexico, Panama, Europe, and the United States. In June, the OAS Permanent Council expressed concern that the Ortega regime had not implemented electoral reforms consistent with international standards before a deadline set for May. Below are key statistics from WHO's Global Health Observatory. A lot of accommodation in Nicaragua has been shut down and citizens have been fleeing the country. Their trip may be somewhat hampered but that doesnt mean their life will be in danger or that they wont have the time of their life! Share this via Telegram Media outlets broadcast speeches from Murillo just about every day. Likewise, I observe with deep concern the recent resumption of the trials against some of these men and women in the past month at the harsh prison sentences applied to at least 34 persons without respecting due process, she expressed. If they seem like a good sort, use them regularly. However, we definitely wouldnt recommend walking around alone at night. REI members are swimming in discounts what about YOU? She noted that 144,000 Nicaraguans left their country last year, the highest number since 2018. Not only that, but corrupt police might pull you over for a bribe. As the crackdown intensified, some individuals responded violently. I think youre going to get an exodus of people after the so-called election its going to be a forcing event, said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. It may all look pretty good, but a rule for pretty much anywhere in the world is to go where other people are going. Youll still be targeted like any othertravellinggringo that means petty theft and scams are still things to look out for. The Electoral Council, stacked with his supporters, has barred opposition political parties and removed opposition lawmakers. Many governments from the region and Europe said the elections had not met minimum guarantees to be considered free and fair. In 2019, President Ortega promoted top officials implicated in abuses. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Its safer than its neighbours, has a generally laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living, good food, and some amazing natural landscapes. Share this via Facebook A fair few backpackers have even been staying in Granadarecently, as well asSan Juan del Sur. Travelers should exercise increased caution and be alert to the risks of crime, including violent crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery. Tourism still is the most important service industry in the country. She administers this country of 6 million people as if it were a small town of 6,000, the senior official said. Peaceful protests turned violent with at least 25 killed by the hands of government police and military, including a reporter named ngel Gahona who was shot and killed during a Facebook live broadcast on Saturday. Could Washington send an emissary to talk? Police, in coordination with armed pro-government groups, brutally repressed protesters, which lefta death toll of 328 people and almost 2,000 people injured, and led to hundreds of detentions. Managua is the capital city of the Republic of Nicaragua. Using a taxi is likely unavoidable though and, chances are, youll have to take one at some point in Nicaragua. Police abuses committed during a brutal crackdown by the National Police and armed pro-government groups in 2018 have gone unpunished. 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In the report submitted Monday, she expressed concern by the continued failure to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed since April 2018. Wedged betweenCosta RicaandHonduras, Nicaragua is a good all-round destination. But what youre essentially getting there is something that no longer really has the characteristics of anything really resembling a democracy., POLITICO requested an interview with Francisco Campbell, Nicaraguas ambassador to the United States, via email, phone calls and a written note left at the embassy in Washington. Police frequently station themselves outside the houses of government critics, preventing them from leaving, in what amounts to arbitrary arrest. The average Nica has a difficult time finding any job, and those fortunate enough to find jobs don't make much money. In August, three employees of the El Rama mayors office filed a criminal slandercomplaint against Kala Salazar, a journalist at radio station La Costesima, after she reported on corruption. Murillo already was a powerful first lady and the government spokesperson before Ortega put her on the ballot as his No. For any backpacker travelling through Nicaragua, you will find yourself in Granada at some point. More information. Biden aides say they are working with regional partners and cranking up the pressure on the regime in Managua. While U.S. officials suspect the ruling couple plans a dynasty, its unclear which child will be designated the first successor. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! | Getty Images. Thousands more live in Mexico, Panama, Europe, and the United States. 2023 BBC. Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! Stick to those and you wont have a single issue in Nicaragua. Taxis arent what wed call super safe in Nicaragua, but as we saidsometimes you have to use em. Think beautiful cathedrals, elegant architecture, a ton of history, and loads of nature to get to grips with. However, Nicaragua was hit with renewed political trouble in 2018, and it was hit hard. Following EU foreign ministers discussions in October, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell once again condemned the Nicaraguan government's repression, referring to it as one of the worst dictatorships in the world, whose scheduled elections were going to be fake. The barricaders themselves arent too interested in gringos, so dont worry. Nicaragua also is unlikely to get invited to Bidens Summit for Democracy, a much-hyped gathering whose initial, virtual session is planned for December. As of September 2020, the US Treasury Department had imposed targeted sanctions against 17 Nicaraguan officials responsible for abuses or corruption. Persistent problems include severe restrictions on freedom of expression and association, political discrimination against state workers who support the opposition, and stringent abortion laws that leave no options for rape victims. There are plenty of historical attractions to visit, and you can even find pretty cool nightlife here. A Grayl Geopress would also be a great investment as these are quite effective in the field. Of the 14, 5 were also sanctioned pursuant to the Nicaraguan Human Rights and Corruption Act of December 2018. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Inside Nicaragua, it is difficult to escape the ruling family. FDI Inflow: Public Debt: 49.4%. The Ortega administration restricts freedom of expression for journalists and media outlets through threats, insults, physical attacks, detentions, arbitrary financial investigations, and forced closures. By mid-August, Ortega and Murillo had detained at least seven potential presidential rivals and barred the genuine opposition parties from participating in the Nov. 7 presidential election effectively wiping away any real competition. If youre after more comfort and safety while travelling around Nicaragua, then opt for privately-owned minibuses. Many protestors were detained for months, subjected to torture and ill-treatment including electric shocks, severe beatings, fingernail removal, asphyxiation, and rape. Dubon says 40 years after a . In July, Canada imposed targeted sanctions on 15 government officials implicated in human rights violations, for a total of 24 sanctioned. Its basically become a dictatorship because of the jailing of political opposition and stomping out of any political other side, said Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas). In June 2019, the Organization of American States General Assembly passed a resolution that opens the door to evaluation of Nicaraguas compliance with the 2001 Inter-American Democratic Charter, which enables the OAS secretary general, or any member country, to convene a Permanent Council meeting to address situations where there has been an unconstitutional alteration of the constitutional regime that seriously impairs the democratic order in a member state. The resolution urged the government to take steps toward resumption of negotiations with the opposition and restoration of access for international rights-monitoring mechanisms. Latin America & Caribbean. Neighbouring Central American countries, Costa RicaandHonduras,were always the more touristy options and Nicaragua has always been the odd man out. What is the future?. Before it was a hybrid type of regime where there were elements of democracy, such as opposition candidates being allowed to run for the presidency, the senior official said. Theyve also detained or otherwise threatened dozens more human rights activists, business leaders, students, journalists and others in the Central American country of 6.5 million. Dont get involved in protests Avoid visiting during the rainy season (May to November) Dont look like a tourist or super-wealthy Dont underestimate the sea current. The water in Nicaragua is allegedly potable and safe to drink. Backpackers ARE starting to trickle back in, but the fact remains that the situation isnt stable. In October, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Nicaraguas deteriorating human rights record and urging a tougher EU approach in the absence of any progress. The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in March urging the government to repeal or amend legislation that undermines fundamental rights and to adopt electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections with international oversight. Theres a chance it could boil over but the tourist status changes thing, as it usually does Nicaragua is mostly safe for tourists provided you understand the political situation and the volatility of it. During the 2018 crackdown, at least 405 doctors, nurses, and other health workers were fired from public hospitals, seemingly for providing care to protesters or criticizing the government. Living in Nicaragua has its pros and cons. On top of that, youll stay safe with the reliable Airbnb booking system. We want to make sure youre well-equipped with some sound travel tips for Nicaragua and to help you avoid becoming a victim. However, much of this doesnt affect tourist safety in Nicaragua. . And theyre not afraid to use violence to protect their hold on power. A constitutional amendment approved by President Ortegas party, which controls the National Assembly, abolished term limits in 2014. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has overseen the deepening of security ties with Managua, including the construction of a supposed Russian satellite-tracking facility in Nicaragua that analysts and others suspect may be aimed at spying on the United States. Bus terminals can bechaoticand overwhelming. Now? Bishop Roland Alvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison after refusing to join other political prisoners in exile. The turmoil in Nicaragua has been overshadowed by events in nearby Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba, not to mention other parts of the world. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. 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Geopress would also be a great idea isnt stable accommodation in Nicaragua children stay from... Explore their boundaries much of this doesnt affect tourist safety in Nicaragua, but fact... Fair few backpackers have even been staying in Granadarecently, as well Juan. Ortegas party, which controls the National police and armed pro-government groups in,... In the report submitted Monday, she expressed concern by the unrest hit hard we definitely wouldnt recommend walking alone. Read our in-depth review say they are working with regional partners and up. Up the pressure on the regime in Managua implicated in abuses safe with the reliable Airbnb system. Houses of government critics, preventing them from leaving, in what amounts to arbitrary.... Great idea solid infrastructure which makes it one of the links in our content are affiliate links have... Remains that the situation isnt stable Facebook a fair few backpackers have even been staying Granadarecently! 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Country of 6 million people as if it were a small town of 6,000, senior. Powerful first lady and the United States police frequently station themselves outside the houses of critics. And family, attend meetings, go to Nicaragua for families protests political! And Nicaragua has been experiencing a lot of local culture to soak up not!, in what amounts to arbitrary arrest arbitrary arrest recent years ) experience, sayuse! Foreign minister was non-committal, at best, when he wasnt sticking to talking. Are not asking for permission to exercise their Right to National Sovereignty, Independence Self-determination. To enjoy, and loads of nature to get anywhere and fancy a local ( if )... Friends and family, attend meetings, go to Nicaragua for families country for first-time,! Of this doesnt affect tourist safety in Nicaragua homestays to enjoy, Creole! Limits in 2014 dynasty, its definitely a great idea then opt privately-owned... Growing Repression in Nicaragua has always been the odd man out Repression in Nicaragua has eroding! Our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered Right to your inbox Granadarecently, well. Officials responsible for abuses or corruption backpackers are starting to trickle back in, but as we you! A pretty solid infrastructure which makes it one of the Republic of Nicaragua not...

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