The economist and sociologist douglas castro he won a scholarship to study a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies at the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom; However, he denounced, through his Twitter account, that he cannot achieve the achievement because the Nicaraguan regime refuses to renew his passport, thus declaring him “a de facto stateless person.”
In addition to this scholarship, the 35-year-old opponent was accepted to StAnts College and Reuben College. He also won the scholarship Chevening FCDO UK, to study or do an MA in Political Science at SEnews or in the Uni_of_Essexbut not having documentation makes it impossible.
Related news: UNAN conditions student scholarships: “If you don’t go to political activities, you lose it”
Following this situation, the member of the Board of Directors of the University Alliance (AUN) stated that he was in a legal limbo for not being able to leave Colombia, the country where he is a refugee claimant.
«I am an applicant for refuge in Colombia, an uncertain path and without a deadline. A year ago I submitted my application and I am still waiting for a response. I only have a safe-conduct that does not allow me to work or study, a huge obstacle for my future,” Castro highlighted.
Not receiving international protection
Castro recalled that fleeing political persecution in Nicaragua, he ended up in Colombia, “where the Government —of Gustavo Petro— promised assistance to those persecuted by the Nicaraguan regime,” but noted that up to now they have only been promises.
He indicated that he contacted the Colombian Foreign Ministry to request help and filed two petition rights but the response “was insubstantial.”
The researcher and former professor at the Central American University (UCA) denounced that the Ortega regime continues “violating our rights, despite the fact that we are outside the Nicaraguan borders.”
For the opponent, his desire to study, even in Colombia, has been a challenge because he was accepted for a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the Universidad de los Andes, in Bogotá, Colombia, but his safe conduct as a refugee applicant prevents him from doing so. “Without a passport and with that safe-conduct, I find myself in a migratory limbo,” he said.
Related news: UCA turns to “altruistic people” to continue granting scholarships to young Nicaraguans
In interview with Article 66Douglas Castro stated that the situation is “quite difficult” and goes beyond the scholarship that was awarded to him because by not having a type of identity document, he is living “what it means to be stateless, without the right to study or work”.
«This is compounded because I have academic aspirations; I have always liked being in the professional field, but now I have these limitations that are beyond my power ».
Despite the causes of political persecution in Nicaragua and without international protection, the young exile affirms that he will continue to insist in order to achieve his goal of continuing to study, he also insists that his political position remains firm and that he does not regret demanding justice.
In October 2021, the AUN member left Nicaragua irregularly, after having three arrest warrants against him, as well as a ban on leaving and entering the country.
