The Nicaraguan government has further escalated its repression of civil society by banning Dr. Iain Overton, Executive Director of Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), from entering the country. This move seems to add AOAV to the growing list of over 1,650 organisations that have been targeted in a sweeping crackdown since 2018. The action against Dr. Overton highlights the government’s determination to silence international scrutiny and restrict freedoms within the country.
Background on Nicaragua’s Crackdown on Civil Society
Since 2018, the Nicaraguan government has engaged in an aggressive campaign to dismantle civil society by targeting NGOs and other organizations critical of its policies. Over 1,650 organizations, including religious groups, unions, and business chambers, have been banned under accusations of administrative failures and non-compliance with new regulations. A 2022 law requiring NGOs to register as “foreign agents” has further tightened the government’s grip, labeling these entities as threats to national security.
Incident Involving AOAV Executive Director
On February 22, 2024, Dr. Iain Overton was set to travel to Nicaragua. While in transit, Dr. Overton was informed by Nicaraguan authorities that he was barred from entering the country, without any explanation provided. This unexpected ban prevents AOAV from continuing its critical work in Nicaragua and reflects a broader effort to eliminate any form of independent oversight or critique.
Dr. Overton expressed his concern over the Nicaraguan government’s actions, stating, “The refusal to allow entry without any clear reason demonstrates a troubling lack of transparency and a blatant attempt to silence external voices that seek to understand and report on the situation in Nicaragua.”
Broader Implications
The addition of AOAV to the extensive list of banned organizations is indicative of a deliberate strategy by the Ortega-Murillo regime to eradicate any form of civil society that could pose a challenge to its authority. This includes not only local NGOs but also international researchers and human rights defenders. The regime’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation from global human rights organizations, who see this as an alarming attack on freedoms of expression and assembly.
Juanita Goebertus of Human Rights Watch has noted that the Nicaraguan regime “seems determined to eradicate civil society groups,” highlighting the systematic approach taken to stifle any potential dissent or independent scrutiny.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The banning of Dr. Iain Overton from Nicaragua underscores the urgency for the international community to respond robustly to the Ortega-Murillo regime’s repressive tactics. The international community must continue to pressure Nicaragua to uphold human rights standards and allow for the free operation of civil society organizations. Supporting those affected by these policies is crucial in maintaining the integrity of human rights and freedoms globally.
Dr. Overton and AOAV call on all civil society and international actors to stand in solidarity against such authoritarian measures and advocate for the immediate reversal of these bans and the restoration of fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua.