In a statement released on November 20, a day after government riot troops suppressed a student protest at the Jesuit University of Central America (UCA) in Managua, the Jesuits in Latin America said they “reject and condemn the attempt by these government-controlled groups to violate the University campus” and called for the “cessation of harassment, aggression and violation of the human and civil rights of the members of the opposition”.
Widespread protests in Nicaragua broke out in April 2018 after the government announced changes to the nation’s social security system. The protests have led to the deaths of more than 300 people and over 2,000 injured. Authorities continue to arrest opposition activists to keep anti-government demonstrations from spreading.
Tensions rose this month after mothers launched a hunger strike to demand the release of their children who were being held as political prisoners. While attempting to bring water to the striking mothers, 13 activists were arrested and have yet to be released. Another group of strikers housed at Managua Cathedral was forced to flee following a siege by pro-government troops.
The Jesuits in Latin America have called on the international community to “firmly express its rejection of the way the Nicaraguan government, through its security forces, has been disrespecting civil rights enshrined in the national constitution”.
In support of this call, on November 22, the Ignatian Solidarity Network, the Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology, International Association of Jesuit Universities, and the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities issued a joint statement expressing concern over human rights abuses and political instability in Nicaragua.
“We call on the Government of the United States to condemn these acts of violence by the Government of Nicaragua against its own people and to support peaceful efforts to restore democracy and civil rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and freedom of religion,” the statement said.
Similarly, Canadian Jesuits denounced the growing crisis in a letter issued to the Canadian government urging it to take action against the continuing violence and oppression, and to review the role of Canadian mining companies that operate in Nicaragua.
“Canada needs to speak out strongly and unequivocally against all violations of human rights in Nicaragua,” said Canadian Jesuit Provincial Fr Erik Oland SJ.
Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific President Fr Tony Moreno SJ has also asked for prayers for Nicaragua (and, closer to home, for the political crisis in Hong Kong). In an email addressed to the major superiors on November 22, he wrote, “May sobriety and peace founded on justice prevail”.