Costa Rica condemns the use of lethal force against students and civilians at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN)

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The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica strongly condemns the use of lethal force against students and civilians at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN). It also deplores the fact that access to medical assistance and international organizations for the protection of human rights has not been allowed.

For decades Costa Rica has been dedicated to promoting peace, freedom, democracy and development, so it can not remain silent on the escalation of violence and repression that occurs in Nicaragua, which has claimed more than three hundred fatalities and a high number of people injured.

Enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, intimidation against demonstrators, media, students, human rights defenders and members of the Catholic Church are inadmissible acts, which must be terminated as soon as possible.

What happens in Nicaragua directly affects the entire region in migratory, social, economic and humanitarian aspects, for which Costa Rica demands a prompt reaction to address this dramatic crisis.

Our Nation, which has shown that it is possible to live without an army and in harmony with citizens, has used multilateralism as an instrument to denounce the resurgence of violence in Nicaragua.

Costa Rica has urged the Government of Nicaragua to an immediate cease fire and to abide by the recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), during the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as in two sessions of the Permanent Council, in Washington.

On Friday, the country announced that along with six other permanent missions to the OAS, it is promoting a resolution to reiterate its strong condemnation and grave concern for all acts of violence and human rights abuses.

But, in addition, the President of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado, raised his voice at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Central American Integration System (SICA), held in the Dominican Republic.

Costa Rica defends the right to demonstrate anywhere in the world and, in this regard, has promoted, together with Switzerland, the adoption of a resolution in the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, in Geneva, in order to promote and protect the human rights, in the context of peaceful protests.

However, despite the permanent call of Costa Rica, the situation in Nicaragua is becoming increasingly difficult. For that reason, President Alvarado will show his concern to the  UN Secretary-General, in a official meeting on Monday.  

On the other hand, the Vice President and Chancellor of the Republic, Epsy Campbell, will ask for a prompt reaction to the international community, during the CELAC-EU Summit, which will take place next week in Brussels.

Costa Rica will reiterate its conviction that committed and effective dialogue is the path towards a solution to the crisis that plagues Nicaragua.

Once again, the country expresses its solidarity with the Nicaraguan people, with whom it shares historical ties of neighborhood, closeness and brotherhood.