US Trade Office Investigates Nicaragua Over Human Rights and Labor Violations

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated an investigation into the government of Nicaragua, citing ongoing violations of labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law. The USTR, which is responsible for shaping U.S. foreign trade policies, announced the probe following multiple reports indicating repressive actions by the Nicaraguan government. These actions reportedly include politically motivated arrests, extrajudicial killings, and a broader pattern of labor exploitation, all of which, according to the USTR, undermine both economic growth and trade opportunities.

The investigation comes as part of the U.S. administration’s focus on advancing a worker-centered trade policy. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized that the reports concerning Nicaragua's government’s actions had led to concerns about the well-being of workers in the country. Tai's statement stressed the impact on fair competition and regional stability, particularly regarding the Nicaraguan government's suppression of its own population. This announcement coincided with the observance of International Human Rights Day, a day established by the United Nations to raise global awareness about human rights issues.

Under the Trade Act of 1974, the USTR is authorized to launch investigations into foreign policies or practices that may harm U.S. commerce. This new inquiry adds to a series of actions taken by the U.S. government against President Daniel Ortega’s administration, which has faced increasing international scrutiny for its human rights record. The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on various Nicaraguan officials and judges, targeting those involved in human rights abuses, including stripping dissidents of citizenship and property to silence opposition.

Ortega, a former revolutionary leader, has had a contentious relationship with the U.S. for decades. His government, which came to power after the 1979 revolution, has long been critical of U.S. influence in the region. Upon returning to the presidency in 2007, Ortega consolidated power, exerting control over key government institutions. Recently, the Nicaraguan National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that would grant Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, greater authority over government bodies, including local and regional levels. This amendment also extends presidential terms to six years and increases government control over the media and religious institutions, aimed at reducing “foreign” influence.

Despite the government's assertion that these measures are necessary for national stability, critics both within Nicaragua and abroad have raised alarms about increasing violence and oppression. A recent report by the Nicaragua Never Again Human Rights Collective, based in Costa Rica, highlights the severe human rights abuses committed by the Nicaraguan government, particularly against political opponents. Since the 2018 protests against tax hikes and reduced social security benefits, the government has allegedly detained thousands of political prisoners. The report estimates that at least 2,090 individuals were detained in the years following the protests, with over 355 deaths reported. 

The collective's findings document instances of torture, including beatings, rape, death threats, and other inhumane treatments such as electric shocks, forced isolation, and the removal of teeth and nails. These brutal tactics, according to the report, have been employed to silence critics and maintain control over dissent.

The ongoing investigation by the USTR reflects growing international concern over the human rights situation in Nicaragua. The outcome of this inquiry may have significant implications for future U.S.-Nicaragua trade relations, as well as for the broader regional stability in Central America.