Since 2018, Daniel Ortega’s dictatorship has closed more than 3,600 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Nicaragua, as part of the systematic persecution against all dissent or what it considers critical sectors.
This cancellation process has been justified on the grounds that these NGOs did not comply with the laws on transparency and financial control or that their directives had expired.
As a result of the closure of these organizations, it is estimated that more than 50,000 citizens in Nicaragua have lost access to essential health services, education, technical assistance in different areas and other social coverage.
The workers of these organisations have become unemployed, and in the worst cases, like the workers of the Diocesan Caritas of Estelí, they have been imprisoned. Their families, mainly their children, have been left destitute. This has only continued to aggravate the economic situation in the country.
Related news: The aftermath of the closure of Caritas in Estelí: Destitute population and workers on the list of political prisoners
They destroy solidarity
Many of the NGOs that were closed provided social assistance and documented human rights violations, and worked on plans and programs to prevent violence against women and children, so these sectors have been among the most affected by their closures.
Not only has the Catholic Church been affected by the closure of Caritas, but several religious orders have also been expelled, including the Sisters of Charity of Mary Teresa of Calcutta, who were responsible for providing medical assistance, care and food to homeless people, the elderly and children.
In addition, universities have been confiscated and some parish schools, which were maintained by the Church in some municipalities, have been closed.
