Christian group condemns Nicaragua’s crackdown on civic organisations

The consequences of Nicaragua’s ongoing attack on independent organisations is “unimaginable to quantify”, Christian Solidarity Worldwide has said. 

The UK-based Christian charity, which advocates for religious freedom world wide, is alarmed by the crackdown within the Central American country that has already seen the withdrawal of legal status for 1,600 organisations. 

Around a 3rd of the organisations affected by the change in status implemented earlier this month were religious and had links with Roman Catholic or Protestant churches.

It has not only affected their operations but in addition left some employees who live in properties legally tied to the organisations suddenly homeless. 

One source who couldn’t be named for security reasons said they knew that if the police arrived before that they had time to get all their belongings out, all the things could be taken – even their clothes. 

“These are days of anguish and uncertainty for the hundreds of Nicaraguans who were actively involved with these [non-governmental organisations],” the source told CSW.

“Some are considering their options in case there may be a possibility of appeal, but they haven’t any clear understanding as as to if they’ll have the ability to proceed operating.” 

Since 2018, over 5,000 organisations have lost their legal status. Hundreds of them had Christian ties. 

CSW’s Head of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl called the Nicaraguan government “vindictive” and condemned its “arbitrary cancellation” of legal status. 

She warned of far-reaching consequences as she appealed to the international community to place pressure on Nicaragua to alter course.

“Unfortunately, the news comes as no surprise,” she said.

“Under the leadership of President Ortego and Vice-president Murillo, the federal government has made clear its intention to totally eradicate all independent actors within the country.

“The social impact of this move, when it comes to how it’s going to affect the each day lives of men, women, and kids who interact with, and in some cases rely on, the programmes of the cancelled organisations, is unimaginable to quantify.

“We stand with those that have dedicated their lives to the development of their communities, in lots of cases due to their religious beliefs, only to see all of it snatched away by a vindictive government with vision limited to its own interests.

“The international community must make it clear to the Nicaraguan government that its campaign against independent civil society is unacceptable and must stop immediately.”