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Nicaragua: UN chief calls on all sides to exercise restraint in wake of protests

UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
UN Photo/Violaine Martin
UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Nicaragua: UN chief calls on all sides to exercise restraint in wake of protests

Peace and Security

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his concern about the casualties in recent protests in Nicaragua, and called for restraint on all sides.

“He also calls on the Government of Nicaragua to ensure the protection of human rights of all citizens, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” said Mr. Guterres’ Spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, in a statement issued late Monday.

According to media reports, street demonstrations were triggered by planned changes to Nicaragua’s social security system, and stand-offs between the security forces and protesters resulted in deaths and injuries. 

“The Secretary-General supports the call for dialogue as an instrument to address the country’s current challenges,” the Spokesman said.