Humanitarian Aid For Nicaragua

Nicaragua is facing a humanitarian crisis since April 18th, 2018.

Serious violations of human rights have been evidenced during a recent visit of the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights after a month of protests and riots, characterized by the excessive use of force by the State security forces and armed third parties. These situations are putting the population in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The unfolding crisis has taken many lives and it is causing a great deal of suffering to civilians all over the country. In several communities, people do not have access to basic supplies including food and medications. Some areas have been severely damaged. In some places they are confined to their households without access to emergency care. Supermarkets, clinics and transportation are shut down as anti-riot squads roam the streets.

This campaign aims to raise funds to support a group of activists in the area of Masaya where the conflict has had the greatest impact. These activists are a group of young people who have organized themselves to provide the injured with food, basic hygiene supplies and access to emergency care. Legatos Mundi has also envisioned to raise enough funds to support the reconstruction of the areas that have been damaged in Masaya and the nearby communities.

Human rights are being violated and we need your help now! This is your opportunity to make a difference in the life of many.

Quick facts:

• Protests start on April 18^th, 2018. The catalyst was a decision from the government published on April 16th 2018 to the social security implying a deduction of 5% to pension allowances and an increase to the contributions for workers and employees.
• After a month of riots, the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights has estimated that at least 76 people have died, and 868 have been wounded, the majority during protests and riots.
• At least 438 people have been detained among students, civilians, human rights activists and journalists, some are still missing.
• The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights evidence excessive use of force and repression by State security forces to protesters, as well as measures of censorship against the press, the blockade and attacks on the functioning of means of communication on the Internet.

For further information regarding the crisis, please visit the OAS website (mostly in Spanish).

http://www.oas.org/es/cidh/prensa/comunicados/2018/113.asp