Fall 2021

Governance and the Rule of Law

**Vice President Rosario Murillo, President Daniel Ortega and the Secretary General of the OAS at a meeting in 2012.**

“Secretary General Attends Meeting of SICA Presidents” by OEA – OAS is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Nicaragua has canceled permits from six NGOs from the United States and Europe as sanctions for arresting political opponents have been placed on President Daniel Ortega’s government. This demonstrates the effects the Ortega administration has had in harming the Nicaraguan population exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU has accused the Nicaraguan government of undermining democracy and of commiting “serious human rights violations.”
Now, fourteen government officials in total have been sanctioned after the EU imposed sanctions on eight more officials, tarnishing the relationships the country has with international institutions that have aided Latin American countries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, Ortega’s government has detained 33 opposition figures, accusing them of treason three months before the presidential elections. However, the accusation has not been confirmed for these opposition figures.
The EU has pushed for more dialogue between Nicaraguan officials and international entities, however, the Nicaraguan government has increased its repression with the upcoming elections on November 7. Nicaraguans have been deprived of their sovereignty right to elect a representative, and instead are subject to an undemocratic and biased election.
Since June, seven candidates for the presidential election have been put in jail by the police, leaving Ortega essentially unopposed for his reelection. This notion has led to international recognition of the lack of democracy that has been demonstrated in Nicaragua. With the upcoming elections on November 7th, the Biden administration has, along with international partners, attempted to impose sanctions as the elections are considered a sham.
Nicaragua has been condemned with sanctions from the Biden administration. The administration asks for the release of presidential candidates Cristiana Chamorro, Arturo Cruz, Juan Sebastian Chamorro among other opposition leaders. The U.S. government claims that President Ortega is “defying the international community, and we will continue to respond.” If the administration fails to respond, the sanctions will be placed on members of the Ortega administration for allowing such activities that are undemocratic to be continued.
Farmers have asked the Organization of American States to not consider Daniel Ortega as president, as the Farmer Movement does not wish to partake in the elections given the likelihood of Ortega’s undemocratic win. This is not only the cause for the Farmer Movement. Opposition members have made a musical video that asks opposition members to stay at home during the elections on November 7, in which Ortega would be president for the third time.
The opposition video was shot in Costa Rica due to the fact that shooting a video in Nicaragua would lead to censure and persecution by the Nicaraguan government. The EU, OAS, and U.S. do not consider the elections to be democratic and legitimate. Click here to watch the full video. The video says to “stay at home because they have kidnapped our right to choose.”

See Select Resources for Governance and the Rule of Law

Growth and Innovation

**The Nicaraguan countryside.**

“Nicaragua Countryside” by JetPunk.com is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Nicaragua has begun to administer the Cuban vaccine to children, becoming the second country in Latin America to authorize the Cuban vaccine. Despite the fact that the vaccine has not been approved by the WHO, it is being administered to children. However, vaccination of minors is not mandatory. In addition, teenagers above the age of 18 have been authorized to have the Sputnik Light, a one-dose Russian vaccine that the government has approved for emergency use but has also not been approved by the WHO.
Despite the fact that vaccination of minors is optional, the Cuban vaccine being used for children between ages of 2 and 17 is of great concern as the effectiveness of the vaccine is questionable due to its lack of approval. The Cuban vaccine remains in Phase 3 of the vaccination approval process. Phase 3 is the phase where it is given to thousands of people and tested for efficacy and safety.
La Prensa, the largest newspaper in Nicaragua has been suspended for print edition and can only publish stories online. The paper is no longer allowed on ink and therefore limits the access of information for citizens that do not have access to online facilities. This in turn limits the information that can be administered to the Nicaraguan population, and further violated the freedom of speech.
Overall poverty in the population has increased from 13.5% to 14.7% between 2019 and 2020, leading to 90,000 more people being considered poor.
The pandemic has forced many Nicaraguans to migrate, leading to socio-economic situations that have left families with one meal a day, or the need to work informally in order to meet ends and obtain food.
However, the border restrictions on the Nicaragua border have caused more complications for those who try to leave but cannot.
Despite the fact that vaccination of minors is optional, the Cuban vaccine being used for children between ages of 2 and 17 is of great concern as the effectiveness of the vaccine is questionable due to its lack of approval. The Cuban vaccine remains in Phase 3 of the vaccination approval process. Phase 3 is the phase where it is given to thousands of people and tested for efficacy and safety.

See Select Resources for Growth and Innovation

Social and Cultural Inclusion

**A street vendor in Granada.**

“Nicaragua” by elaine faith is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Ortega asks for respect and attempts to silence the claims about the abuse of human rights from his opposition.
In addition, the president called the bishops of the Roman Catholic religion “terrorists” after the role they have in being the mediator between the government and the opposition during not only the coup in 2018 but for supporting the opposition side.
Over 50 countries have asked that the UN helps liberate the politically detained in Nicaragua. However, under the law that was passed this December, if one is considered a traitor, one can be sent to prison for fifteen years, creating a largely broad and vague idea of what a traitor entails.
Nicaraguan journalists have no protection under the law, or any human rights law, in terms of the dangers that are caused by publishing news in the country that does not align with the government ideals.
Juan Lorenzo Holmann, the director of La Prensa, has been detained for over 62 days and fears that he will lose his sight and never see his mother again. His wife indicates that some of the prisoners that have been detained do not receive medications. So far, he has been suffering from an eye condition, hypertension, fainting and has no idea of what medication he is receiving. Not only are the politically detained unjustly imprisoned but they are subject to abusive treatment and lack of respect for being incarcerated for illegal reasons. By having the Nicaraguan government take control of the press, there is information that is biased, and very untelling of the situation in Nicaragua from a political and health perspective
As of December 2020, outside NGOs now need to register as “foreign agents,” when entering Nicaragua, further diminishing the humanitarian aid that the country is so desperately in need of. Visa restrictions have been placed by the U.S. Department of State due to the passing of repressive laws that entail this registration of foreign agents law. The restriction placed on 100 members of the Nicaraguan National Assembly showcases the international recognition that Nicaragua has criminalized political participation and speech.
There continues to be a struggle for LGBTQ rights in Nicaragua “Foreign Agent Law,” makes any organization that receives funding elsewhere be considered a “foreign agent.”The visa revocations from the U.S. acts as a form of demonstrating that the law shows the assault of democracy and human rights, not permitting everyone in Nicaragua to have freedom and fair representation.
The lack of support for LGBTQ rights has led to all the funding for these groups to be mainly from outside countries, hence, making the organization a “foreign agent.” Being registered as a foreign agent is seen as a traitor and therefore is prohibited from running for office, excluding any LGBTQ members to openly form part of the government. Recently, the Ortega administration is attempting to shut down “Fundación Xochiquetzal,” the oldest LGBTQ rights group in Nicaragua. This is one of the many NGOs that have been shut down by Ortega’s government.

See Select Resources for Social and Cultural Inclusion

Summer 2021

Governance and the Rule of Law

President Ortega’s administration has been criticized by opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders for their negligent and repressive response to the pandemic. Polls indicate that approximately 70% of Nicaraguans disapprove of the government’s response to coronavirus.
In April, President Ortega denounced precautions such as stay-at-home measures as radical methods that would damage the country, and he has publicly neglected social distancing. The government continued to keep schools and businesses open in addition to encouraging people to continue going to restaurants, stores, and gatherings.
Government transparency in case reporting continues to be an issue. Nicaragua is the only Central American country which has not published figures on how many tests it has distributed and their results. Independent organizations, like the Observatorio Ciudadano (observatorioni.org), claim the government is underreporting and provide their own statistics of COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Financial Times claims there is a 90% under-registration of deaths in Nicaragua.
In October, the National Assembly passed a bill proposed by President Ortega that requires any person who receives funding from abroad to register as a “foreign agent,” making them subject to close monitoring and restrictions on their civic and political rights. This policy has already caused the closure of two institutions promoting freedom of speech.
In reference to public protests which led to hundreds of deaths and arrests of tens of thousands, President Ortega claims NGOs in Nicaragua are promoting terrorist activities that are destabilizing the government.
In October, the Congress passed a cybercrime law also proposed by President Ortega. The legal reform will allow for government opponents to receive life sentences in prison for spreading information the government deems as “false news”. This can apply to journalists criticizing the government’s response to the pandemic. 106 NGOs and 20 journalists have filed for an appeal of unconstitutionality against this law.
The government has imprisoned those who speak out against Ortega’s administration, leaving Nicaragua with one of the worst rates of prison overcrowding in Latin America. These conditions exacerbate the threat of COVID-19 for prisoners. However, President Ortega has dismissed international allegations of political prisoners being tortured.
The Nicaraguan government has also taken action against dissenters in the healthcare force who have argued that the distribution of PPE is inadequate. At least 10 healthcare workers were fired for voicing concerns about the government’s response.
In February of 2021, the National Assembly approved Law 406 which extends the period during which a person can be detained for from 48 hours to 90 days, posing serious ramifications for detained political opponents.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelete, has warned that the new laws in Nicaragua are eroding the rule of law in the country and undermining fundamental freedoms.
In preparation for the November elections, seven opposition parties have created the National Coalition in hopes of ‘rebuilding democracy.’ The UN has urged Ortega’s government to adopt electoral reforms for a ‘free, fair, and transparent election,’ and nationwide youth movements have called for the same.
The Biden Administration stated President Ortega is leading his country ‘towards dictatorship,’ and the EU has extended sanctions for the government’s repression of political opponents and human rights violations. The European Parliament has also stated that conditions for a free, fair, and transparent election do not exist in Nicaragua.
In April of 2021, Ortega passed electoral reforms that grant him greater control of the national police and restrict funding for opposition parties. In response, 48 organizations, including the primary opposition parties, signed a statement rejecting the initiative.
Between May and June of 2021, 26 political opponents of the Ortega-Murillo regime, including journalists, social leaders, and 6 declared presidential candidates of the November 2021 election, have been jailed due to accusations of their supposed involvement with foreign financing and alleged treason. They have been given no access to legal representation, and will be prevented s from registering their candidacies and participating in the election, aiding Ortega in his effort to govern for a fourth term. This has prompted intellectuals, journalists, and politicians to flee Nicaragua in fear of being arrested.
After the member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) overwhelmingly condemned Ortega’s jailing of his political opponents and opposition candidates before the next presidential election, Ortega has disqualified the OAS calling it a “sewer,” while the Nicaragua ambassador to the OAS has denounced this measure as an interference of Nicaragua politics and internal affairs, both ignoring the documented cases of collaboration between the Nicaragua government and the OAS. Additionally, 59 countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council have expressed their concern over the growing crisis.
Experts from different NGOs, like Urnas Abiertas (Open Ballots) and Human Rights Watch have deemed that the upcoming election process lacks transparency and legitimacy, is ridden with political violence, and is not up to international standards for fair and free elections, as the country has become openly become a “family dictatorship.” They have also reported at least 255 acts of political violence over early June.

Growth and Innovation

Only an estimated 160 ventilators were available in Nicaragua at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as less than 1 hospital bed per 1,000 people. Studies reveal that Nicaragua has one of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.
Dozens of hospital staff have resigned due to lack of proper resources and equipment in both public and private hospitals, weakening the already volatile healthcare system. As of late August, 107 health workers had died from COVID-19.
Approximately one-third of Nicaraguans currently live in poverty and 10% live in extreme poverty. The economic effects of the pandemic have exacerbated this issue, and the poverty rate is expected to increase by roughly 4-6% from 2019.
The agricultural, manufacturing, energy, and water industries have all experienced declines in production or activity rates since April. The coffee harvest is estimated to be 10% lower than in 2019, and livestock saw a 7.2% decrease in slaughter rates.
The Zona Franca, a free trade zone area where industrial activities are centered, will close out 2020 with a negative balance with export levels dating back to 2009. Thousands have lost their jobs, with the textile industry suffering a particularly hard hit. Fortunately, improvements in production are expected for textile companies in 2021.
According to the Nicaraguan Central Bank, GDP fell by 2% in 2020, following a trend of economic contraction since 2018. Furthermore, it predicts a 1.1% decline in 2021. However, the Minister of Finance and Public Credit predicts a 2.5% growth. The real estate sector is already beginning to recover with banks providing more loans, though they are exercising greater caution in analyzing risk.
International flights were meant to return to Managua in late 2020. However, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Aeromexico have delayed returning flights. Nicaragua never issued a decree to fully close off its tourism sector, but it closed out 2020 with the most negative figures in the last five years, with income dropping by 65.8% since 2019.
Fuel prices have steadily increased in 2021 from 24.24 córdobas per liter in late 2020 to 31.21 córdobas in early 2021. Currently, Nicaragua has the highest hydrocarbon prices in Central America. This has contributed to the skyrocketing price of the basket of basic goods which is exceeding the income of most Nicaraguans.
Due to a global shortage of raw materials and a restrictive tax system, the Nicaraguan plastic industry is losing competitiveness in Central America despite an increase in demand for plastic medical supplies.
Due to outbreaks of COVID-19 at U.S. meat processing plants, American wholesalers turned to Nicaragua for foreign beef supply. Nicaragua is now the third largest supplier of frozen beef to the U.S., and its imports have reached an all-time high during the pandemic.
The passage of Hurricanes Eta and Iota through Nicaragua caused infrastructure damage and injured many people. The hurricane significantly increased the risk of COVID-19 contagion, especially for people residing in temporary shelters. Additionally, the quality of the banana and apple harvest suffered due to the severe rainfall.
In early 2021, the government agreed to raise the minimum wages for workers in micro, small, and medium-sized national artisanal and tourism industries by 1%.
Nicaragua has approved Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and received its first donation in early February of 2021. Subsequently, in March, it received its first batch of AstraZeneca through the WHO’s COVAX program.
The National Assembly passed Law 842 in early February after great pushback from the private sector. Under this law, financial institutions cannot cancel accounts without reasons backed by national legislation, forcing them to cooperate with those sanctioned by foreign governments and allowing the government to sue them if they do not comply.
Members of the European Parliament are voting on July 8th to apply sanctions directly to Ortega, Murillo, and their closest allies in an effort to help protect the people of Nicaragua and their democratic processes. Nicaragua could possibly be excluded from the European Union Association Agreement under the democratic clause. The sanctions would include provisions for humanitarian aid and economic opportunities to be channeled to the population and human rights activists through NGOs and civil society.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of the US has approved the Renacer Act, which expands the grounds for sanctioning Nicaragua regime officials and requests a review of Nicaragua’s participation in the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-Cafta).

Social and Cultural Inclusion

Civic organization’s community action and outreach has constituted the majority of the response to the pandemic. UNAB has provided prevention kits and food to various communities throughout the country.
Thousands of Nicaraguans have fled to Costa Rica as a result of the human rights crisis that erupted in April of 2018. Costa Rica has received 116,000 refugee applications from Nicaraguans. The Costa Rican Foreign Minister has urged Nicaragua to implement electoral reforms to achieve a peaceful resolution through fair voting.
Nicaraguans have been trying to return home from Costa Rica due to the rise in xenophobia and concerns regarding the overwhelming of the Costa Rican healthcare system. The Nicaraguan government is demanding that returnees from Costa Rica present negative COVID-19 test results; however, most cannot afford the cost of a test which ranges from $60 to $100, leaving them stranded at the border.
The Ministry of Women held a community fair “Women for Life” which promotes programs for women human rights, economic empowerment, and violence prevention. More than 300 women leaders and business owners attended.
Women in indigenous communities throughout the country are collaborating to establish food security and sovereignty amid the pandemic. Food production and income generation have improved for 80 indigenous women from 115 communities.
The UN has named Nicaragua among the top 10 countries with the best gender equality in the world. Since 2007, the government has implemented more than 40 socioeconomic programs aimed at empowering women.
According to the organization Voice Observatory, 69 cases of femicide have occurred in 2020. Data from the national police has also revealed an increase in sexual violence. Due to quarantining, more women have been subjected to domestic violence at home.
The reform of the Penal Code and the Comprehensive Law against Violence against Women approved in February allows life sentences for cases of femicide, multilation of female genitalia, and other acts of misogyny performed in the presence of the victim’s children.
Indigenous populations are experiencing violent land invasions as companies take their land for cattle ranching. The recent rise in beef exports to the U.S. has increased attacks.
Farmers have faced deteriorating security conditions during the pandemic. There has been an increase in robberies of tractors, electric pumps, and irrigation equipment. The police have confiscated pistols, shotguns, and rifles, so farmers have no means of defending themselves from thieves.
The government developed a plan “My Life Without Drugs: Peace and Future” to develop awareness about healthy practices to live free of drug addictions among young people and families.
President Ortega’s administration has cancelled foreign priests’ visas and closed Church formation centers. There have also been multiple reported attacks by paramilitary groups on priests and churches who have criticized the government’s lax response to the pandemic.
The Jorge Navarro prison complex, known as La Modelo, is one of the primary destinations for those detained for reporting human rights violations in Nicaragua. Lawyers confirm that many social activists are jailed under drug trafficking charges despite having no association with the practice. Inmates report overcrowding and a lack of water and medical care which have created a breeding ground for the virus.
A youth opposition group, National Coalition, has called upon the release of hundreds of political prisoners. According to them, almost 3,000 people have been detained with a judicial order nor proper due process.
Leading up to the 2021 elections, a lot of trolls, fake accounts, and malicious bots have plagued social media in the country. Following the announcement of Creo Leader George Henríque Cayasso for the Yatama Party in the National Coalition, attacks on his race occurred online.

Spring 2021

Governance and the Rule of Law

President Ortega’s administration has been criticized by opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders for their negligent and repressive response to the pandemic. Polls indicate that approximately 70% of Nicaraguans disapprove of the government’s response to coronavirus.
In April, President Ortega denounced precautions such as stay-at-home measures as radical methods that would damage the country, and he has publicly neglected social distancing. The government continued to keep schools and businesses open in addition to encouraging people to continue going to restaurants, stores, and gatherings.
Government transparency in case reporting continues to be an issue. Nicaragua is the only Central American country which has not published figures on how many tests it has distributed and their results. Independent organizations, like the Observatorio Ciudadano (observatorioni.org), claim the government is underreporting and provide their own statistics of COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Financial Times claims there is a 90% under-registration of deaths in Nicaragua.
In October, the National Assembly passed a bill proposed by President Ortega that requires any person who receives funding from abroad to register as a “foreign agent,” making them subject to close monitoring and restrictions on their civic and political rights. This policy has already caused the closure of two institutions promoting freedom of speech.
In reference to public protests which led to hundreds of deaths and arrests of tens of thousands, President Ortega claims NGOs in Nicaragua are promoting terrorist activities that are destabilizing the government.
In October, the Congress passed a cybercrime law also proposed by President Ortega. The legal reform will allow for government opponents to receive life sentences in prison for spreading information the government deems as “false news”. This can apply to journalists criticizing the government’s response to the pandemic. 106 NGOs and 20 journalists have filed for an appeal of unconstitutionality against this law.
The government has imprisoned those who speak out against Ortega’s administration, leaving Nicaragua with one of the worst rates of prison overcrowding in Latin America. These conditions exacerbate the threat of COVID-19 for prisoners. However, President Ortega has dismissed international allegations of political prisoners being tortured.
The Nicaraguan government has also taken action against dissenters in the healthcare force who have argued that the distribution of PPE is inadequate. At least 10 healthcare workers were fired for voicing concerns about the government’s response.
In February of 2021, the National Assembly approved Law 406 which extends the period during which a person can be detained for from 48 hours to 90 days, posing serious ramifications for detained political opponents.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelete, has warned that the new laws in Nicaragua are eroding the rule of law in the country and undermining fundamental freedoms.
In preparation for the November elections, seven opposition parties have created the National Coalition in hopes of ‘rebuilding democracy.’ The UN has urged Ortega’s government to adopt electoral reforms for a ‘free, fair, and transparent election,’ and nationwide youth movements have called for the same.
The Biden Administration stated President Ortega is leading his country ‘towards dictatorship,’ and the EU has extended sanctions for the government’s repression of political opponents and human rights violations. The European Parliament has also stated that conditions for a free, fair, and transparent election do not exist in Nicaragua.
In April of 2021, Ortega passed electoral reforms that grant him greater control of the national police and restrict funding for opposition parties. In response, 48 organizations, including the primary opposition parties, signed a statement rejecting the initiative.
Between May and June of 2021, 26 political opponents of the Ortega-Murillo regime, including journalists, social leaders, and 6 declared presidential candidates of the November 2021 election, have been jailed due to accusations of their supposed involvement with foreign financing and alleged treason. They have been given no access to legal representation, and will be prevented s from registering their candidacies and participating in the election, aiding Ortega in his effort to govern for a fourth term. This has prompted intellectuals, journalists, and politicians to flee Nicaragua in fear of being arrested.
After the member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) overwhelmingly condemned Ortega’s jailing of his political opponents and opposition candidates before the next presidential election, Ortega has disqualified the OAS calling it a “sewer,” while the Nicaragua ambassador to the OAS has denounced this measure as an interference of Nicaragua politics and internal affairs, both ignoring the documented cases of collaboration between the Nicaragua government and the OAS. Additionally, 59 countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council have expressed their concern over the growing crisis.
Experts from different NGOs, like Urnas Abiertas (Open Ballots) and Human Rights Watch have deemed that the upcoming election process lacks transparency and legitimacy, is ridden with political violence, and is not up to international standards for fair and free elections, as the country has become openly become a “family dictatorship.” They have also reported at least 255 acts of political violence over early June.

Growth and Innovation

Only an estimated 160 ventilators were available in Nicaragua at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as less than 1 hospital bed per 1,000 people. Studies reveal that Nicaragua has one of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.
Dozens of hospital staff have resigned due to lack of proper resources and equipment in both public and private hospitals, weakening the already volatile healthcare system. As of late August, 107 health workers had died from COVID-19.
Approximately one-third of Nicaraguans currently live in poverty and 10% live in extreme poverty. The economic effects of the pandemic have exacerbated this issue, and the poverty rate is expected to increase by roughly 4-6% from 2019.
The agricultural, manufacturing, energy, and water industries have all experienced declines in production or activity rates since April. The coffee harvest is estimated to be 10% lower than in 2019, and livestock saw a 7.2% decrease in slaughter rates.
The Zona Franca, a free trade zone area where industrial activities are centered, will close out 2020 with a negative balance with export levels dating back to 2009. Thousands have lost their jobs, with the textile industry suffering a particularly hard hit. Fortunately, improvements in production are expected for textile companies in 2021.
According to the Nicaraguan Central Bank, GDP fell by 2% in 2020, following a trend of economic contraction since 2018. Furthermore, it predicts a 1.1% decline in 2021. However, the Minister of Finance and Public Credit predicts a 2.5% growth. The real estate sector is already beginning to recover with banks providing more loans, though they are exercising greater caution in analyzing risk.
International flights were meant to return to Managua in late 2020. However, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Aeromexico have delayed returning flights. Nicaragua never issued a decree to fully close off its tourism sector, but it closed out 2020 with the most negative figures in the last five years, with income dropping by 65.8% since 2019.
Fuel prices have steadily increased in 2021 from 24.24 córdobas per liter in late 2020 to 31.21 córdobas in early 2021. Currently, Nicaragua has the highest hydrocarbon prices in Central America. This has contributed to the skyrocketing price of the basket of basic goods which is exceeding the income of most Nicaraguans.
Due to a global shortage of raw materials and a restrictive tax system, the Nicaraguan plastic industry is losing competitiveness in Central America despite an increase in demand for plastic medical supplies.
Due to outbreaks of COVID-19 at U.S. meat processing plants, American wholesalers turned to Nicaragua for foreign beef supply. Nicaragua is now the third largest supplier of frozen beef to the U.S., and its imports have reached an all-time high during the pandemic.
The passage of Hurricanes Eta and Iota through Nicaragua caused infrastructure damage and injured many people. The hurricane significantly increased the risk of COVID-19 contagion, especially for people residing in temporary shelters. Additionally, the quality of the banana and apple harvest suffered due to the severe rainfall.
In early 2021, the government agreed to raise the minimum wages for workers in micro, small, and medium-sized national artisanal and tourism industries by 1%.
Nicaragua has approved Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and received its first donation in early February of 2021. Subsequently, in March, it received its first batch of AstraZeneca through the WHO’s COVAX program.
The National Assembly passed Law 842 in early February after great pushback from the private sector. Under this law, financial institutions cannot cancel accounts without reasons backed by national legislation, forcing them to cooperate with those sanctioned by foreign governments and allowing the government to sue them if they do not comply.
Members of the European Parliament are voting on July 8th to apply sanctions directly to Ortega, Murillo, and their closest allies in an effort to help protect the people of Nicaragua and their democratic processes. Nicaragua could possibly be excluded from the European Union Association Agreement under the democratic clause. The sanctions would include provisions for humanitarian aid and economic opportunities to be channeled to the population and human rights activists through NGOs and civil society.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of the US has approved the Renacer Act, which expands the grounds for sanctioning Nicaragua regime officials and requests a review of Nicaragua’s participation in the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-Cafta).

Social and Cultural Inclusion

Civic organization’s community action and outreach has constituted the majority of the response to the pandemic. UNAB has provided prevention kits and food to various communities throughout the country.
Thousands of Nicaraguans have fled to Costa Rica as a result of the human rights crisis that erupted in April of 2018. Costa Rica has received 116,000 refugee applications from Nicaraguans. The Costa Rican Foreign Minister has urged Nicaragua to implement electoral reforms to achieve a peaceful resolution through fair voting.
Nicaraguans have been trying to return home from Costa Rica due to the rise in xenophobia and concerns regarding the overwhelming of the Costa Rican healthcare system. The Nicaraguan government is demanding that returnees from Costa Rica present negative COVID-19 test results; however, most cannot afford the cost of a test which ranges from $60 to $100, leaving them stranded at the border.
The Ministry of Women held a community fair “Women for Life” which promotes programs for women human rights, economic empowerment, and violence prevention. More than 300 women leaders and business owners attended.
Women in indigenous communities throughout the country are collaborating to establish food security and sovereignty amid the pandemic. Food production and income generation have improved for 80 indigenous women from 115 communities.
The UN has named Nicaragua among the top 10 countries with the best gender equality in the world. Since 2007, the government has implemented more than 40 socioeconomic programs aimed at empowering women.
According to the organization Voice Observatory, 69 cases of femicide have occurred in 2020. Data from the national police has also revealed an increase in sexual violence. Due to quarantining, more women have been subjected to domestic violence at home.
The reform of the Penal Code and the Comprehensive Law against Violence against Women approved in February allows life sentences for cases of femicide, multilation of female genitalia, and other acts of misogyny performed in the presence of the victim’s children.
Indigenous populations are experiencing violent land invasions as companies take their land for cattle ranching. The recent rise in beef exports to the U.S. has increased attacks.
Farmers have faced deteriorating security conditions during the pandemic. There has been an increase in robberies of tractors, electric pumps, and irrigation equipment. The police have confiscated pistols, shotguns, and rifles, so farmers have no means of defending themselves from thieves.
The government developed a plan “My Life Without Drugs: Peace and Future” to develop awareness about healthy practices to live free of drug addictions among young people and families.
President Ortega’s administration has cancelled foreign priests’ visas and closed Church formation centers. There have also been multiple reported attacks by paramilitary groups on priests and churches who have criticized the government’s lax response to the pandemic.
The Jorge Navarro prison complex, known as La Modelo, is one of the primary destinations for those detained for reporting human rights violations in Nicaragua. Lawyers confirm that many social activists are jailed under drug trafficking charges despite having no association with the practice. Inmates report overcrowding and a lack of water and medical care which have created a breeding ground for the virus.
A youth opposition group, National Coalition, has called upon the release of hundreds of political prisoners. According to them, almost 3,000 people have been detained with a judicial order nor proper due process.
Leading up to the 2021 elections, a lot of trolls, fake accounts, and malicious bots have plagued social media in the country. Following the announcement of Creo Leader George Henríque Cayasso for the Yatama Party in the National Coalition, attacks on his race occurred online.

Summer/Fall 2020

Governance and the Rule of Law

President Ortega and his administration has been criticized by opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders for their initial reaction to the pandemic.
Even though the suspected number of COVID-19 deaths reached almost 2,400 by July, President Ortega continues to minimize its presence in addresses to the public.
Government transparency in case reporting continues to be an issue. Independent organizations claim that the information on cases is being hidden by the government.
Approximately 60% of Nicaraguans who participated in a public opinion poll rated the government’s response to the pandemic as “pésima” (dismal).
In April, President Ortega denounced precautions such as stay-at-home measures as extreme or radical methods that would do damage to the country.
The Nicaraguan government began to take action against dissent amid the crisis. At least 10 healthcare workers were fired for voicing concerns about the government’s response.
Love in the Time of Covid is the response spearheaded by Vice President Rosario Murillo and the Nicaraguan government as a way to spread support directly to communities through outreach.
Human rights organizations have called out President Ortega and the central government for negligence and lack of accountability in the administration’s limiting of public access to information.
The government continues to keep schools and businesses open, in addition to encouraging people to continue going to restaurants, stores, and gatherings.
Polls indicate that approximately 70% of Nicaraguans disapprove of the government’s response to coronavirus.

Growth and Innovation

Only an estimated 160 ventilators were available in Nicaragua at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as less than 1 hospital bed per 1,000 people.
Approximately one-third of Nicaraguans currently live in poverty and 10% live in extreme poverty.The economic effects of the pandemic have exacerbated this issue.
The agricultural, manufacturing, energy, and water industries have all experienced declines in production or activity rates since April.
Dozens of hospital staff have resigned due to lack of proper resources and equipment in both public and private hospitals, weakening the already volatile healthcare system.
Roughly 75% of the economy is based on the informal labor sector, leading many Nicaraguans to continue working for an income despite increased risk of contracting the virus.
The coffee production sector, which employs more than 300,000 individuals per harvest, has taken extensive measures to prevent the spread of the virus with the support of the non-profit organization Nícafes.
Approximately 64% of businesses in Nicaragua have experienced major declines in profit, leaving many at risk of closing and causing 7% to close due to the virus.
The economy of Nicaragua is expected to fall by 6% due to the negative effects of the pandemic on employment and businesses.
The poverty rate is expected to increase from 28.2% (2019) to between 32.2% and 36.9% (or 2.1 and 2.4 million people) by the end of 2020, according to a report by Fundación Nicaragüense para el Desarrollo Económico y Social (FUNIDES).
The overall global recession is expected to impact remittance flows to Nicaragua in 2020 by between 5.1% and 18% according to FUNIDES.

Social and Cultural Inclusion

Students returned to school on July 21 despite mounting concerns from teacher’s unions and schoolchildren’s parents. The Ministry of Education implemented guidelines and prevention measures on July 14.
Nicaraguan citizens have chosen to impose self-quarantine measures, closing their businesses and wearing masks despite the government’s advice to ignore these measures.
Ortega’s refusal to allow the reentry of Nicaraguan migrants during the pandemic has exacerbated xenophobia and discrimination against Nicaraguan migrants in Costa Rica
Between January and June, women’s rights organizations counted 35 cases of femicide in Nicaragua, which they attribute to the impunity the state grants to abusers as well as the pandemic conditions.
Observatorio Ciudadano (observatorioni.org) is an independent organization comprised of doctors, epidemiologists, volunteers, and professionals working to increase transparency in coronavirus case reporting.
We Are Water Foundation is heading a project to increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for over 590 students in schools located in underserved central Nicaraguan communities.
Women-focused Facebook communities such as Red Mujeres de Matagalpa have become active centers for women to find resources and connect with each other for support.
In an NPR interview, Nicaraguan poet Giaconda Belli addresses the Ortega administration’s handling of the pandemic, as well as her personal experiences with the impacts of the virus.
The Nicaraguan singer-songwriter Jandir Rodríguez performed two concerts virtually from quarantine, one of which was organized by the youth/student sector of the organization Unidad Nacional Azul y Blanco (UNAB).
Civic organization’s community action and outreach has constituted the majority of the response to the pandemic. UNAB has provided prevention kits and food to various communities throughout the country.
Women in indigenous communities throughout the country are collaborating to establish food security and sovereignty amid the pandemic. Food production and income generation have improved for 80 indigenous women from 115 communities.
Catholic bishops throughout the country have urged citizens to abide by COVID-19 prevention measures and plead with the central government to take more direct action.

Select resources for Nicaragua:

Governance and the Rule of Law Fall 2021:

Al Jazeera. (2021, August 17). Nicaragua cancels permits for the US, European NGOs. Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/17/nicaragua-cancels-permits-for-us-european-ngos

Al Jazeera. (2021, August 14). Nicaragua police arrest the editor of newspaper critical of Ortega. Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/14/nicaragua-police-arrest-editor-of-newspaper-critical-of-ortega

Confidencial. (2021, September 15). Tragedia en el norte de Nicaragua: más de 300 muertes en dos hospitales por COVID-19 entre agosto y septiembre. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/nacion/tragedia-en-el-norte-de-nicaragua-mas-de-300-muertes-en-dos-hospitales-por-covid-19-entre-agosto-y-septiembre/

Mendoza, Y. Kurmanaev, A. Bermúdez, A. (2021, September 5). Everyone is on the list: fear grips Nicaragua as it veers to dictatorship.” NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/05/world/nicaragua-political-repression.html

Zuñiga, A. (2021, September 13). Nicaraguan opposition activist shot, critically wounded in Costa Rica. Tico Times. https://ticotimes.net/2021/09/13/nicaraguan-opposition-activist-shot-critically-wounded-in-costa-rica

Reuters. (2021, October 2). Nicaragua authorizes two COVID-19 vaccines from Cuba, Cuban firms say. Reuters Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/nicaragua-authorises-two-covid-19-vaccines-cuba-cuban-firm-says-2021-10-02/

The Nation. (2021, September 28) Why the media no longer cares about Nicaragua. The Nation. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nicaragua-media-ortega/

Perú 21. (2021, October 1) Nicaragua: Campesinos piden a la OEA desconocer a Ortega antes de las elecciones de noviembre. Perú 21. https://peru21.pe/mundo/america/nicaragua-campesinos-piden-a-la-oea-desconocer-a-daniel-ortega-antes-de-las-elecciones-de-noviembre-medardo-mairena-nndc-noticia/

Spetalnick, M. (2021, October 29). U.S. Preparing new sanctions in response to Nicaragua’s Nov. 7 election. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/exclusive-us-preparing-new-sanctions-response-nicaraguas-nov-7-election-2021-10-29/

Vivanco, J. (2021, August 5). New EU sanctions on Nicaraguan officials amid escalating crisis. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/08/05/new-eu-sanctions-nicaraguan-officials-amid-escalating-crisis#

Council of the EU. (2021, October 11). Nicaragua: EU sanctions prolonged for one year. European Council of the European Union. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/10/11/nicaragua-eu-sanctions-prolonged-for-one-year/#

Parisi, K. (2021, October 27). Oposición en Nicaragua llama a no votar con video musical bajo el eslogan “quedémonos en la casa.” CNN Español. https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2021/10/27/nicaragua-no-votar-oposicion-quedemonos-casa-orix/

Maldonado, C. (2021, October 25). Un vídeo musical desafía al régimen de Ortega al llamar a los nicaragüenses a no votar en las elecciones. El País. https://elpais.com/internacional/2021-10-26/un-video-musical-desafia-al-regimen-de-ortega-al-llamar-a-los-nicaraguenses-a-no-votar-en-las-elecciones.html

Blinken, A. (2021, June 9) Announcing sanctions on the Ortega regime in response to arbitrary detentions and other undemocratic moves. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/announcing-sanctions-on-the-ortega-regime-in-response-to-arbitrary-detentions-and-other-undemocratic-moves/

Growth and Innovation Fall 2021:

Banco Mundial. (2021, April 6). Nicaragua: panorama general. Banco Mundial en Nicaragua https://www.bancomundial.org/es/country/nicaragua/overview#1

Relief Web. (2021, August 2021). Nicaragua situation operational update. Relief Web. https://reliefweb.int/report/nicaragua/nicaragua-situation-operational-update-january-june-2021

Mendoza, Y. Kurmanaec, A. Bermúdez, A. (2021, September 13) Fear grips Nicaragua as a country verges towards dictatorship. The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/fear-grips-nicaragua-as-country-veers-towards-dictatorship-1.4671884

Montes, J. Dube, R. Vyas, K. (2021, September 22) Latin American Migration, once limited to a few countries, turns into max exodus. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/latin-american-migration-once-limited-to-a-few-countries-turns-into-a-mass-exodus-11632323297

Medrano, M. (2021, 29 septiembre). Observatorio independiente de Nicaragua reporta récord de casos y muertes por COVID-19. CNN Español https://www.wsj.com/articles/latin-american-migration-once-limited-to-a-few-countries-turns-into-a-mass-exodus-11632323297

Vaccine Testing and Approval Process

AP News. (2021, August 12). Newspaper goes online only as Nicaragua withholds newsprint. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/business-caribbean-newspapers-nicaragua-436acd129da807962751c530effdb343

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, May 1). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/test-approve.html

Penman, M. (2021, September 14). ‘Prison, economic ruin, repression and exile’: the price Nicaragua’s health workers pay for doing their jobs. Amnesty. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/09/prison-economic-ruin-repression-exile-nicaraguas-health-workers/

Salinas, C. (2021, September 16). El diario ‘La Prensa’ despide a más de la mitad de sus trabajadores por la persecución de Daniel Ortega. El País. https://elpais.com/internacional/2021-09-16/el-diario-la-prensa-despide-a-casi-la-mitad-de-sus-trabajadores-por-la-persecucion-de-daniel-ortega.html

Marsh, A. (2021, September 17). Nicaragua: La Prensa fired more than half of its workers because of the persecution of Daniel Ortega. Amico Hoops. https://amicohoops.net/nicaragua-la-prensa-fired-more-than-half-of-its-workers-because-of-the-persecution-of-daniel-ortega-international/

France 24. (2021, October 26). Vacunas cubanas y rusas contra el covid para niños y jóvenes en Nicaragua. France 24. https://www.france24.com/es/minuto-a-minuto/20211025-vacunas-cubanas-y-rusas-contra-el-covid-para-ni%C3%B1os-y-j%C3%B3venes-en-nicaragua

Chicago Tribune (2021, October 26). Nicaragua aplica vacunas cubanas a niños a partir de 2 años. https://www.chicagotribune.com/espanol/coronavirus/sns-es-nicaragua-aplica-vacunas-cubanas-a-ninos-a-partir-de-2-anos-20211026-6jy4yf3zdjh55eyv7gicpyrcxe-story.html

Davis, C. (2021, November 1). Facebook says it just uncovered one of the largest troll farms ever – run by the government of Nicaragua. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-said-uncovered-troll-farm-run-by-nicaraguan-government-2021-11

Al Jazeera. (2021, November 1). Facebooks says it shut down Nicaraguan government-run troll farm. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/1/facebook-says-it-shut-down-nicaraguan-government-run-troll-farm

Social and Cultural Inclusion Fall 2021:

Enríquez, O. (2021, September 16). 50 países piden ante la ONU la liberación de los presos políticos en Nicaragua. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/nacion/50-paises-piden-ante-la-onu-la-liberacion-de-los-presos-politicos-en-nicaragua/

Al Jazeera. (2021, September 9). Nicaragua orders arrest of prominent writer Sergio Ramirez. Al Jazeera Elections. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/9/nicaragua-orders-arrest-of-prominent-writer-sergio-ramirez

Independent. (2021, October 4). Nicaragua’s president Ortega calls bishops ‘terrorists.’ Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/daniel-ortega-nicaragua-roman-catholic-yankees-b1932381.html

El Comercio. (2021, October 2). Nicaragua: Así sobrevive la prensa ante el feroz acoso del régimen de Daniel Ortega. El Comercio. https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/mundo/ortega-nicaragua-campana-discurso-politica.html

VoaNews. (2021, October 5). Nicaraguan journalists describe an ‘atmosphere of fear.’ Voa News. https://www.voanews.com/a/nicaraguan-journalists-describe-atmosphere-of-fear-/6257606.html

The Economist. (2021, August 25) Democracy is quickly eroding in Central America. The Economist.https://www.economist.com/the-americas/democracy-is-quickly-eroding-in-central-america/21803907

BBC. (2021, July 7) Nicaraguan opposition activists held as crackdown intensifies. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57733632

Lavers, M. (2021, August 24). Nicaragua government seeks to shut down country’s oldest LGTBQ rights group. Washington Blade. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2021/08/24/nicaragua-seeks-to-shut-down-countrys-oldest-lgbtq-rights-group/

Viera, K. (2021, July 16). In Nicaragua Persecution is ‘the order of the day’ Victory Institute. https://victoryinstitute.org/in-nicaragua-persecution-is-the-order-of-the-day/

Blinken, A. (2021, July 12). The United States restricts visas of 100 Nicaraguans affiliated with Ortega-Murillo Regime. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-restricts-visas-of-100-nicaraguans-affiliated-with-ortega-murillo-regime/

The Washington Post. (2021, October 29). The Ortega regime shows contempt for human rights and the international community. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/10/29/daniel-ortega-rosario-murillo-nicaragua-contempt-human-rights/

La Prensa. (2021, September 6). Él no sabe qué medicinas está tomando y eso le da mucha angustia. Esposa de Juan Lorenzo Holmann logró visitarlo en el Chipote. La Prensa. https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2021/09/06/politica/2874530-el-no-sabe-que-medicinas-esta-tomando-y-eso-le-da-mucha-angustia-esposa-de-juan-lorenzo-holmann-logro-visitarlo-en-el-chipote

La Prensa. (2021, October 15). Juan Lorenzo Holmann, encarcelado hace 62 días, teme perder la vista y pide a su mamá que lo espere. La Prensa. https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2021/10/15/politica/2894735-juan-lorenzo-holmann-encarcelado-hace-62-dias-pide-a-su-mama-que-lo-espere-y-teme-perder-la-vista

Governance and Rule of Law Resources Spring/Summer 2021

Associated Press. (2020, September 11). Nicaraguans testify of abuses in crackdown on protests. https://wtop.com/latin-america/2020/09/nicaraguans-testify-of-abuses-in-crackdown-on-protests/

————. (2021, June 22). International criticism of Nicaragua crackdown grows. AP NEWS. https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-united-nations-nicaragua-0c26444c5187030356ddd2704eba2773.

Bo, T. (2020, June 5). Nicaragua gov’t accused of ‘ignoring’ COVID-19 pandemic. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/nicaragua-govt-accused-ignoring-covid-19-pandemic-200605101505937.html

Cerda, A. (2020, July 20). Encuesta de Diálogo Interamericano: Ortega y FSLN se derrumban en crisis de covid-19. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/encuesta-de-dialogo-interamericano-ortega-y-fsln-se-derrumban-en-crisis-de-covid-19/

Coleman, K. M. (2020, April 9). Nicaragua in the time of covid-19. AULA Blog. https://aulablog.net/2020/04/09/nicaragua-in-the-time-of-covid-19/

Confidencial. (2021, April 21). Ortega y Murillo dirigen “cadena de mando” de jueces y Policía, confirma Rafael Solís. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/politica/ortega-y-murillo-dirigen-cadena-de-mando-de-jueces-y-policia-confirma-rafael-solis/.

Cruz, A. L. (2021, March 16). Eurodiputados: Faltan condiciones para las elecciones de noviembre. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/politica/eurodiputados-faltan-condiciones-para-elecciones-de-noviembre/.

Dupraz-Dobias, P. (2020, September 2). Nicaragua picks a bad time to sideline humanitarian groups. The New Humanitarian. https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2020/09/02/Nicaragua-conflict-political-unrest-poverty-coronavirus

Gearty, R. (2020, September 29). Nicaragua proposed law seeks to make fake news punishable by prison. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/world/nicaragua-proposed-law-seeks-to-make-fake-news-punishable-by-prison

González, X. (2021, July 6). Nicaragua se encamina a tener un Gobierno ilegítimo, denuncian expertos. Artículo 66. https://www.articulo66.com/2021/07/06/elecciones-nicaragua-encaminadas-gobierno-ilegitimo-represion/.

Human Rights Watch. (2020, June 23). Nicaragua: Doctors fired for covid-19 comments. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/23/nicaragua-doctors-fired-covid-19-comments

International Federation for Human Rights. (2020, April 6). Nicaragua: FIDH and CENIDH alarmed at presumed Covid-19 deaths, 20 times higher than official figure [Press Release]. https://www.fidh.org/en/region/americas/nicaragua/nicaragua-fidh-and-cenidh-alarmed-at-presumed-covid-19-deaths-20

Martínez M., Enríque O. & Munguía, I. (2021, April 12). FSLN propone reformas “cosméticas” que mantienen control partidario en estructuras electorales. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/politica/fsln-propone-reformas-cosmeticas-que-mantienen-control-partidario-en-estructuras-electorales/.

Munguía, I. (2021, June 17). Vivanco: “Están limpiando el camino para garantizar el robo de elecciones”. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/politica/vivanco-estan-limpiando-el-camino-para-garantizar-el-robo-de-elecciones/.

Pérez Miranda, N. (2021, June 26). Condenan detención arbitraria contra Pedro Joaquín Chamorro. Artículo 66. https://www.articulo66.com/2021/06/26/pedro-joaquin-chamorro-detencion-arbitraria-presos-politicos-dictadura-derechos-humanos-elecciones-2021/.

Perry, J. (2020, October 13). Nicaragua, attacked for following the same US policies against foreign meddling. Council on Hemispheric Affairs. https://www.coha.org/nicaragua-attacked-for-following-the-same-us-policies-against-foreign-meddling/

Reuters. (2021, June 16). OAS condemns Nicaragua’s jailing of potential presidential rivals. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/oas-condemns-nicaraguas-jailing-potential-presidential-rivals-2021-06-16/.

Salomón, J. & Valencia, A. (2020, August 10). Prison and the pandemic: The lethal cocktail used by the Nicaraguan government against those who criticize them. Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/08/carcel-covid19-coctel-letal-gobierno-nicaragua/

Schlein, L. (2021, February 27). UN Rights Chief Cites Growing Human Rights Crisis in Nicaragua. VOA. https://www.voanews.com/americas/un-rights-chief-cites-growing-human-rights-crisis-nicaragua

Torres, R. (2021, July 3). Daniel Ortega: A Tyrant Without A Future. Today Nicaragua. https://todaynicaragua.com/daniel-ortega-a-tyrant-without-a-future/. Vásquez, V. (2021, February 2). Asamblea orteguista da luz verde a detención por 90 días para “investigar” a procesados. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/politica/asamblea-orteguista-da-luz-verde-a-detencion-por-90-dias-para-investigar-a-procesados/.

Growth and Innovation Resources Spring/Summer 2021

Banco Central de Nicaragua. (2020, July). Índice Mensual de Actividad Económica—Abril 2020. https://www.bcn.gob.ni/publicaciones/periodicidad/mensual/imae/informe.pdf

Bow, J.C. (2020, June 4). Afraid to go to work: Dozens of hospital staff resign. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/afraid-to-go-to-work-dozens-of-hospital-staff-resign/

————. (2021, June 24). Comité del Senado de EE. UU. aprueba la iniciativa de Ley Renacer. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/politica/comite-del-senado-de-ee-uu-aprueba-la-iniciativa-de-ley-renacer/.

Confidencial. (2021, March 14). Consumidores llaman a no comprar combustibles por nueva alza. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/economia/consumidores-llaman-a-no-comprar-combustibles-por-nueva-alza/.

————. (2021, February 25). Acuerdan subir un 3% el salario mínimo en Nicaragua. https://confidencial.com.ni/economia/acuerdan-subir-un-3-el-salario-minimo-en-nicaragua/.

————. (2020, July 10). Seis de cada diez negocios en Nicaragua se quedan sin capital por covid-19. https://confidencial.com.ni/seis-de-cada-diez-negocios-en-nicaragua-se-quedan-sin-capital-por-covid-19/

Díaz López, K. (2020, May 3). Funides proyecta grave caída del turismo y remesas en Nicaragua por COVID-19. Artículo 66. https://www.articulo66.com/2020/05/03/turismo-remesas-nicaragua-covid-19-funides/

Fundación Nicaragüense para el Desarrollo Económico y Social (FUNIDES). (2020, April 30). Informe de coyuntura, Abril 2020. https://funides.com/publicaciones/informe-de-coyuntura-abril-2020/

González, X. (2021, July 7). Parlamento Europeo pedirá mañana sanciones “rápidas” para Daniel Ortega y Rosario Murillo. Artículo 66. https://www.articulo66.com/2021/07/07/parlamento-europeo-estados-miembros-sanciones-daniel-ortega-rosario-murillo/.

Halverson, N. (2020, October 20). In Nicaragua, supplying beef to the U.S. comes at a high human cost. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/in-nicaragua-supplying-beef-to-the-u-s-comes-at-a-high-human-cost

Munguía, I. (2020, November 5). OPS: Eta aumentó el riesgo de contagio de covid-19 en Nicaragua y Honduras. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/ops-eta-aumento-el-riesgo-de-contagio-de-covid-19-en-nicaragua-y-honduras/

Olivares, I. (2021, February 9). Ganadería en primer lugar, café cae 10%, frijol en exportaciones agrícolas. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/economia/ganaderia-en-primer-lugar-cafe-cae-10-frijol-en-exportaciones-agricolas/.

————. (2021, March 18). Industria se queda sin plástico y aumentan los precios de empaques. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/economia/industria-se-queda-sin-plastico-y-aumentan-los-precios-de-empaques/.

————. (2021, April 5). Datos del Banco Central confirman: estamos en depresión económica. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/economia/datos-del-banco-central-confirman-estamos-en-depresion-economica/.

Reuters. (2021, March 16). WHO-Backed COVAX Donates First AstraZeneca Vaccines to Nicaragua. U.S. News. https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-03-16/who-backed-covax-donates-first-astrazeneca-vaccines-to-nicaragua.

————.(2021, February 24). Nicaragua says gets first vaccines with Russia’s Sputnik V. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-nicaragua-vaccine/nicaragua-says-gets-first-vaccines-with-russias-sputnik-v-idUSE1N2K200S.

Torres, R. (2020, October 28). Nicaraguan Government Hides 98% Of Covid-19 Deaths. Today Nicaragua. https://todaynicaragua.com/nicaraguan-government-hides-98-of-covid-19-deaths/
Vásquez, V. (2021, February 12). Nicaragua: vigente “ley de defensa de los sancionados.” Havana Times. https://havanatimesenespanol.org/noticias/nicaragua-vigente-ley-de-defensa-de-los-sancionados/.

Social and Cultural Inclusion Resources Spring/Summer 2021

Barricada. (2020, September 23). ONU destaca a Nicaragua entre los 10 países con mayor igualdad de género del mundo. https://barricada.com.ni/onu-destaca-a-nicaragua-entre-los-10-paises-con-mayor-igualdad-de-genero-del-mundo/

Bow, J. C. (2020, July 20). La solidaridad ciudadana ante la negligencia del Gobierno con la covid-19. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/la-solidaridad-ciudadana-ante-la-negligencia-del-gobierno-con-la-covid-19/

Confidencial. (2020, October 8). Jóvenes de la Coalición Nacional reclaman libertad de más de cien presos políticos. https://confidencial.com.ni/jovenes-de-la-coalicion-nacional-reclaman-libertad-de-mas-de-cien-presos-politicos/

Cruz, A. L. (2020, July 25). Reopening of public schools in Nicaragua despite COVID-19 Danger. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/reopening-of-public-schools-in-nicaragua-despite-covid-19-danger/.

Dupraz-Dobias, P. (2020, September 28). Nicaraguan asylum seekers face hunger in Costa Rica or dangerous returns. The New Humanitarian. https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2020/09/28/Nicaragua-Costa-Rica-migration-economy-poverty

Largaespada, M. (2021, March 17). Troles, cuentas falsas y bots maliciosos: las plagas del debate público en las redes. Confidencial. https://www.confidencial.com.ni/politica/troles-cuentas-falsas-y-bots-maliciosos-las-plagas-del-debate-publico-en-las-redes/.

Martínez, A. (2020, September 24). MINIM realiza Feria Comunitaria con mujeres de El Tuma, La Dalia. Barricada. https://barricada.com.ni/minim-realiza-feria-comunitaria-tuma-dalia/

Martínez, M. (2021, February 15). Félix Maradiaga: La alianza electoral debería estar definida antes de abril. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/politica/felix-maradiaga-la-alianza-electoral-deberia-estar-definida-antes-de-abril/.

Olivares, I. (2020, October 5). Productores denuncian aumento de inseguridad en el campo. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/productores-denuncian-aumento-de-inseguridad-en-el-campo/

Oliveros, C. L., Aleman, A. L., & Murrillo, Y. (2020, July 6). Indigenous women in Nicaragua forging a future with food sovereignty. Slow Food. https://www.slowfood.com/indigenous-women-in-nicaragua-forging-a-future-with-food-sovereignty/

Regidor, C. (2020, November 20). Femicides Rise in Nicaragua during 2020. Havana Times. https://havanatimes.org/news/femicides-rise-in-nicaragua-during-2020/.

San Martín, I. (2020, July 2). Nicaragua bishops indirectly rebuke Ortega over handling of coronavirus. Crux. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2020/07/nicaragua-bishops-indirectly-rebuke-ortega-over-handling-of-coronavirus/.

The Tablet. (2020, September 9). Nicaragua Bishops Protest Government’s Expulsion of Foreign-Born Priests. https://thetablet.org/nicaragua-bishops-protest-governments-expulsion-of-foreign-born-priests/
Vallejos, C. H., & Cáceres, A. (2020, July 2). El desmontaje del marco jurídico que defiende a las mujeres de ser víctimas de femicidio, está provocando el aumento de sus asesinatos. Enredadas, por el Arte y la Tecnología. https://enredadas.org/2020/07/02/femicidios-primersemestre2020/

Governance and Rule of Law Resources Fall/Summer 2020

Confidencial. (2020, June 19). CID-Gallup: FSLN weaker, but could beat divided opposition. https://confidencial.com.ni/cid-gallup-fsln-weaker-but-could-beat-divided-opposition/

Bow, J.C. (2020, July 15). Daniel Ortega impone récord de 35 días de ausencia sin rendir cuentas. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/daniel-ortega-impone-record-de-35-dias-de-ausencia-sin-rendir-cuentas/

Orozco, M. (2020, May 19). La pandemia y la falta de democracia en Nicaragua. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/la-pandemia-y-la-falta-de-democracia-en-nicaragua/

Human Rights Watch. (2020, June 23). Nicaragua: Doctors fired for covid-19 comments. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/23/nicaragua-doctors-fired-covid-19-comments

Coleman, K. M. (2020, April 9). Nicaragua in the time of covid-19. AULA Blog. https://aulablog.net/2020/04/09/nicaragua-in-the-time-of-covid-19/

El 19 Digital. (2020, March 14). Nicaragüenses caminan con la Fuerza de la Fe y la Esperanza, en Amor en tiempos del Covid-19. https://www.el19digital.com/articulos/ver/titulo:101259-nicaraguenses-caminan-con-la-fuerza-de-la-fe-y-la-esperanza-en-amor-en-tiempos-del-covid-19

Díaz López, K. (2020, July 16). Régimen orteguista realizará más de 140 actividades presenciales este fin de semana en medio del COVID-19. Artículo 66. https://www.articulo66.com/2020/07/16/rosario-murillo-covid-19-31-19-nicaragua-regimen-orteguista-actividades-presenciales/
Navas, L. (2020, July 28). Daniel Ortega sigue minimizando la pandemia. Dice que “el virus ese será pasajero.” La Prensa. https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2020/07/28/politica/2701492-daniel-ortega-sigue-minimizando-la-pandemia-dice-que-el-virus-ese-sera-pasajero.

Growth and Innovation References Summer/Fall 2020

Aburto, W. M. (2020, March 29). Seguir a Bukele o ponerse en autocuarentena: Así enfrentan el coronavirus en Nicaragua ante la ausencia de Ortega. Univision. https://www.univision.com/noticias/america-latina/seguir-a-bukele-o-ponerse-en-autocuarentena-asi-enfrentan-el-coronavirus-en-nicaragua-ante-la-ausencia-de-ortega

Arguello, M. F. P., & Kennon, I. (2020, May 7). Nicaragua’s response to COVID-19 endangers not only its own people, but also its neighbors. Atlantic Council. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/nicaraguas-response-to-covid-19-endangers-not-only-its-own-people-but-also-its-neighbors/

Banco Central de Nicaragua. (2020, July). Índice Mensual de Actividad Económica—Abril 2020. https://www.bcn.gob.ni/publicaciones/periodicidad/mensual/imae/informe.pdf

Bow, J.C. (2020, June 4). Afraid to go to work: Dozens of hospital staff resign. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/afraid-to-go-to-work-dozens-of-hospital-staff-resign/

Confidencial. (2020, April 16). Economía de Nicaragua caerá -6% en 2020 debido a COVID-19 [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/RvrGDxjd2_k

EFE Noticias. (2020, July 4). Pandemia de covid-19, un nuevo reto para el sector cafetalero. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/pandemia-de-covid-19-un-nuevo-reto-para-el-sector-cafetalero/

EFE Noticias (2020, July 10). Seis de cada diez negocios en Nicaragua se quedan sin capital por covid-19. Confidencial. https://confidencial.com.ni/seis-de-cada-diez-negocios-en-nicaragua-se-quedan-sin-capital-por-covid-19/

Fundación Nicaragüense para el Desarrollo Económico y Social (FUNIDES). (2020, Abril 30). Informe de coyuntura, Abril 2020. https://funides.com/publicaciones/informe-de-coyuntura-abril-2020/

Kincaid, J. (2020, July 15). Nicaraguan doctors say population now fighting two enemies: The government and COVID-19. Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/article244194112.html
Nicafés—Plataforma Nicaragüense de Café Sostenible. (n.d.) Home [Facebook Page]. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.facebook.com/Nicafes/

Social and Cultural Inclusion References Summer 2020

Martin, R., & King, N. (2020, April 27). Poet Gioconda Belli on Nicaragua in the Time of Covid-19 [Radio Broadcast]. NPR.Org. https://www.npr.org/2020/04/27/845322525/poet-gioconda-belli-on-nicaragua-in-the-time-of-covid-19

Nicaragua Watch. (2018, October 4). The Blue & White National Unity (UNAB). https://nicaraguawatch.org/2018/10/04/the-blue-white-national-unity-unab/

Observatorio Ciudadano. (n.d.). Estadísticas de COVID-19 en Nicaragua. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://observatorioni.org/estadisticas-covid-19-nicaragua/.

Red Mujeres Matagalpa. (n.d.). Home [Facebook Page]. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from

https://www.facebook.com/RedMujeresMatagalpa/

Shiffman, G. (2020, April 1). Cantautor nicaragüense Jandir Rodríguez ofrecerá dos conciertos virtuales durante la cuarentena por el COVID-19. Artículo 66. https://www.articulo66.com/2020/03/31/cantautor-nicaraguense-jandir-rodriguez-ofrecera-dos-conciertos-virtuales-cuarentena-covid-19/

Vallejos, C. H., & Cáceres, A. (2020, July 2). El desmontaje del marco jurídico que defiende a las mujeres de ser víctimas de femicidio, está provocando el aumento de sus asesinatos. Enredadas, por el Arte y la Tecnología. https://enredadas.org/2020/07/02/femicidios-primersemestre2020/

Wateraid Nicaragua. (n.d.). Wateraid. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.wateraid.org/us/where-we-work-nicaragua
We Are Water Foundation. (n.d.). Water, sanitation and hygiene in schools in San Lorenzo-Boaco and Yalí-Jinotega, Nicaragua. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.wearewater.org/en/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-schools-in-san-lorenzo-boaco-and-yali-jinotega-nicaragua_329804