On October 30, representatives of the Permanent Committee on Human Rights (CPDH, in Spanish) of Nicaragua and the Organization Víctimas de Abril (OVA) presented before the Supreme Court of Nicaragua an appeal of unconstitutionality against the Law of Regulation of Foreign Agents that limits the action of organizations that receive international funding. According to these organizations, the legislation undermines citizens’ independence and self-determination since it narrows down financing options to assist political prisoners and victims of state repression.

The regulation was promoted by the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) in September and promulgated by the President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, on October 19. It obliges all entities, foundations and associations that receive funds from abroad to register as “foreign agents”.

In addition, each time they receive an offer of funds they must inform the Ministry of the Interior of the activities for which they will be used and report on the expenses, payments and contracts related to them. It also establishes that if they do not comply, the Ministry may fine them or strip them of their legal status. Since 2018, the Nicaraguan government has annulled the legal status of 10 civil society organizations without respecting due process. It is expected that the Supreme Court will rule on this matter in the next months.