Nicaragua’s Government Strips Opponents of Their Nationality

April 23, 2025

HRRC denounces the policy of denationalisation that is now being implemented by the Nicaraguan government to punish those who disagree with their regime. Revoking the nationality of an individual leaves them vulnerable and without protection, and this policy must be condemned from all sides.

A demonstrator holds a sign calling President Daniel Ortega a "killer" [Image credit: Reuters, 2018]

The extent to which Nicaragua is using denationalisation to punish opponents of the state was exposed in a recently published report by the United Nations. Denationalisation refers to the act of revoking an individual’s citizenship, and it is presently being used by the government to subdue expressions of political dissent.

The almost 20-year premiership of Daniel Ortega is a period that has been marked by an aggressive, systematic approach to dealing with repression. He has used state institutions like the police to crackdown on political opponents, which the criminal justice system then utilised to lock up individuals whose only want is to peacefully campaign for the protection of human rights within their country.

The increased implementation of denationalisation is another ruthless tactic used by the Ortega regime as they try to grab absolute power. In 2023, a change to the constitution stated that “traitors to the homeland lose their Nicaraguan nationality,” and this policy has impacted over 400 citizens of Nicaragua who are now recorded as stateless.

This use of denationalisation as a political weapon has not been witnessed in other countries, at least not to this extent. For this reason, condemnation from other states and organisations must be swift and forceful. Being stateless means an individual loses all of their rights, and lacks any legal protections. Some experts have gone as far as to describe the whole process as being more primitive than torture.

Following Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the Human Rights Council in February of this year, people have become especially vulnerable to being targeted by this policy. As such, there is a growing fear that, with no external oversight, the crackdown on political dissidents will continue to increase substantially.

Glossary

Absolute power – Complete control by one person or group, without limits or checks.
Condemnation – Strong disapproval or criticism, often for moral reasons.
Crackdown – A strong effort by authorities to stop or punish illegal or unwanted behaviour.
Denationalisation – Taking away someone's citizenship.
Denounces – To publicly pronounce to be blameworthy or evil.
Dissent – Disagreement with official ideas or policies.
Implementation – The act of putting a plan, rule, or decision into action.
Opponent – One that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict).
Political dissidents – People who oppose or criticise the government or its policies.
Political weapon – A tool or tactic used to gain or keep power in politics, often unfairly.
Premiership – The time during which someone serves as the leader of a country.
Regime – A form of government.
Repression – Controlling people by force, especially to stop freedom of speech or protest.
Revoking – Officially cancelling something, like a right, law, or decision.
Ruthless – Without pity or compassion.
Stateless – Not legally recognized as a citizen of any country.
Subdue – To bring under control with substantial effort.
Systematic – Done in an organized and planned way.
Vulnerable – Easily harmed or affected, especially due to lack of power or protection.

Sources

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Nicaragua’s Government Strips Opponents of Their Nationality

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