Voices of Nicaraguan Democratic Supporters in Exile

In 2018, the largest demonstrations in recent Nicaraguan history led to harsh political actions by the paramilitaries and the police. The country is deeply affected by the political situation with many politicians and activist imprisoned. This has only worsened since 2018.

President Daniel Ortega was elected in 2021 for a fourth consecutive term. Since 2018, up to 600.000 Nicaraguans have fled the country, and over 2,000 NGOs have been forced to close. The regime continues to violate human rights to the point where civil society organisations and representatives has fled the country.

The Danish party, the Red-Green Alliance, is working in partnership with the umbrella organisation Articulation de Movimientos Sociales y Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil, AMS-OSC. Despite working from exile, AMS-OSC is dedicated to contributing to the construction of a free, democratic, institutionalised society with social justice, respect, and the promotion of human rights.

Through awareness campaigns, protests, and community engagement within the country, they aim to shed light on human rights violations and advocate for justice and accountability. Additionally, they are committed to creating a political and social agenda that represents the needs and aspirations of the people.

In a conversation with DIPD the representatives from the organisation, who wishes to remain anonymous due to security concerns for themselves and their families still residing in Nicaragua.

Why is your organisation, AMS-OSC, currently operating in exile from Costa Rica?

Our organisation is currently exiled due to the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua and the challenging circumstances faced by civil society organisations.

Since 2018, the human rights situation we live with in Nicaragua has raised significant concerns within the international community. Reports have documented a range of violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. 

The government has implemented policies and engaged in practises that aim to undermine and criminalise human rights organisations, labelling us as threats to national security. This has resulted in increased surveillance, harassment, and intimidation of our activists and other organisations working to defend human rights.

We face limited access to resources. Being in exile has restricted our organisation's access to financial resources, logistical support, and networks that are essential for our political activities

Many civil society leaders and human rights defenders, as we are, have been subjected to threats, arbitrary detention, and even forced disappearances. These actions create a climate of fear, making it extremely difficult for organisations to operate effectively in the country. In such an oppressive environment, our organisation, along with many others, has been forced into exile to continue our work and ensure our safety.

By being in exile, we can continue advocating for human rights, raising awareness about the situation in Nicaragua, and mobilising international support. Despite the challenges, our commitment to promoting human rights and supporting our people remains steadfast. We work alongside other international organisations and civil society groups to bring attention to the violations taking place and to press for accountability and change.

It is our hope that through continued advocacy and global solidarity, the human rights situation in Nicaragua will improve, and civil society organisations and social movements can operate freely and without fear of reprisals to begin reconstructing our society.

How does your current situation in exile affect your political work?

We have limited access to resources. Being in exile has restricted our organisation's access to financial resources as some of the profiled doners have had their nationality and their property taken away. Being in exile has furthermore restricted access to logistical support, and networks that are essential for its political activities. This can create difficulties in sustaining and expanding operations in Nicaragua.

The physical separation from our country has created barriers to direct engagement with local communities and stakeholders. This can hinder our organisation's ability to understand and respond effectively to the evolving political dynamics on the ground and has been one of our major challenges.

However, working from exile has provided us with an opportunity to amplify our voice on the international stage. Being outside the country may enable access to global platforms, international networks, and influential decision-makers who can be instrumental in raising awareness, garnering support, and advocating for change, and it has been one of our main focuses.

We envision a society where dialogue, transparency, and accountability are the cornerstones of governance

Many members of our organisation have faced threats, incarceration, persecution, or violence in Nicaragua. Exile has allowed them to continue their political work without the immediate risks they would face if they were operating within the country.

Being in exile has led us to form connections and alliances with other organisations, activists, and networks in many countries, such as Denmark, collaborating, sharing knowledge, and coordinating joint advocacy efforts, strengthening the organisation’s political work and impact.

Despite physical separation, our organisation still maintains relationships with local partners, activists, and communities through various means of communication. Even though it is more difficult, er are able to continue our collaboration, our exchange of information, and support for grassroots initiatives on the ground.

What are your hopes for your country’s future?

Respecting and safeguarding human rights is paramount to our vision for Nicaragua's future. We strive for a country where human rights are not only enshrined in law but also deeply embedded in the fabric of society. This means promoting freedom of expression, assembly, and association, as well as protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, women, children, indigenous communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Another essential aspect of our hopes for Nicaragua is a fundamental change in the political culture. We envision a society where dialogue, transparency, and accountability are the cornerstones of governance. We hope for a political landscape that encourages citizens participation, value diverse perspectives, and promotes constructive dialogue.

By fostering a culture of democratic values, we can cultivate a system that truly represents the will and aspirations of the Nicaraguan people.

To realise these aspirations, we recognise the need for collective efforts and collaboration among civil society organisations, political actors, and the international community. It is our hope that through dialogue, cooperation, and shared commitment to democratic principles, Nicaragua can undergo a transformation that leads to a brighter future for all its citizens.