James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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132. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation in Nicaragua at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33700/21]

Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent actions of the Nicaraguan authorities against opposition parties in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33706/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 139 together.

I am deeply concerned by the deteriorating democratic and human rights situation in Nicaragua, in particular the ongoing repression of opposition politicians, members of the media, human rights defenders and civil society representatives.

I am alarmed at the recent arrest and detention of a number of potential Presidential candidates, which contravenes basic democratic principles and seriously undermines the electoral process in Nicaragua. It is vital that credible, transparent and inclusive elections are held in Nicaragua, as elsewhere, free from interference and in line with international standards.

The recent adoption of legislation in Nicaragua such as the Foreign Agents Registration Law and the Special Law on Cybercrime is also a cause for concern. These laws serve to tighten restrictions on civil and political rights and fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua and hinder the work of civil society and non-governmental organisations.

I fully support EU High Representative / Vice-President Josep Borrell's statement of 10 June 2021 on the situation in Nicaragua and echo his call for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained potential Presidential candidates and all other political prisoners, ensuring respect for their human, civil and political rights. Inclusive dialogue is the only way to resolve the political, economic and social crisis in Nicaragua. I also urge the Government of Nicaragua to authorise the return of international human rights bodies to the country, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Ireland, along with our EU partners, will continue to support efforts towards reaching a peaceful and negotiated solution in Nicaragua. Officials in my Department, including the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico which covers Nicaragua, will continue to monitor the situation closely in cooperation with the EU Delegation to Nicaragua.