Sanctions: Nicaragua (Guide)
This guide covers the current sanctions imposed on Nicaragua by countries due to ongoing human rights violations and actions that undermine democratic processes.
Introduction
Nicaragua's government has been scrutinized for suppressing civil society and eroding democratic institutions, prompting the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) to implement sanctions to promote accountability and adherence to international human rights standards.
Overview
Nicaragua has faced various sanctions from international bodies due to human rights violations, suppression of civil society, and actions undermining democratic processes. This guide provides an overview of current sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US).
Current EU Sanctions Against Nicaragua
The European Union introduced its sanctions regime against Nicaragua in 2019 in response to serious human rights abuses and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition. The measures include:
Targeted Asset Freezes: Assets of designated individuals and entities are frozen within the EU.
Travel Bans: Individuals listed under the sanctions cannot enter or transit through EU member states.
The sanctions are enacted under:
Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1716
Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720
These regulations focus on individuals and entities deemed responsible for human rights violations in Nicaragua.
Current UK Sanctions Against Nicaragua
Following its departure from the EU, the UK retained the sanctions against Nicaragua under the Nicaragua (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The sanctions mirror the EU's measures, maintaining asset freezes and travel bans against individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses and repression.
Current US Sanctions Against Nicaragua
In 2018, former President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 13851, which declared a national emergency regarding the Government of Nicaragua's actions against protests and democratic institutions. The sanctions authorized:
Asset Freezes: The US government can freeze assets of individuals and entities involved in actions undermining democracy.
Travel Bans: Individuals associated with the regime cannot enter the United States.
In October 2022, President Biden extended these sanctions with EO 14088, which includes:
Sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in the gold sector.
Bans on the import and export of certain goods to and from Nicaragua.
UN Sanctions
There are currently no UN sanctions imposed on Nicaragua.
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