Nicaragua Shuts Down Save the children and 14 Other NGOs in Latest Crackdown
The regime of Daniel Ortega has ordered the closure of Save the Children International and 14 other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), according to decrees published in the official newspaper La Gaceta on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.This move marks the latest escalation in the government’s ongoing crackdown on civil society groups, which has seen over 5,600 NGOs shuttered since 2018.
Save the Children International, a global organization headquartered in London and operating in more than 100 countries, had been working in Nicaragua since 2011. The NGO, known for its advocacy for children’s rights, requested its “voluntary dissolution” in compliance with a resolution from the Ministry of the Interior. The official decree stated that the organization had “completed its projects” in the country.
This closure follows the August 2024 shutdown of Save the Children Canada, which had been operating in Nicaragua as 2004. The Canadian branch, funded by its North American counterpart, was also forced to cease operations under similar circumstances.
In addition to Save the Children, four other organizations were closed this week for “non-compliance with the laws” regulating NGOs. These laws, recently tightened by the Ortega administration, now require NGOs to work in association with the state, effectively limiting their independence.
The crackdown on NGOs is part of a broader campaign by the Ortega government to suppress dissent. As the 2018 anti-government protests, which the United Nations estimates left more than 300 dead, the regime has accused NGOs and the Catholic Church of supporting what it calls an “attempted coup d’état” sponsored by Washington. Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, have consistently framed these actions as necessary to maintain national sovereignty.
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Detail | Details |
|———————————|———————————————————————————|
| NGOs Closed | Save the Children International and 14 others |
| Save the Children’s Presence| Operated in Nicaragua since 2011; global HQ in London |
| Reason for Closure | “voluntary dissolution” due to completed projects |
| Previous Closure | Save the Children Canada shut down in August 2024 |
| Total ngos Closed Since 2018| Over 5,600 |
| Government Stance | Accuses NGOs of supporting protests and foreign interference |
The closure of Save the Children and other NGOs has drawn international concern, particularly given the organization’s focus on vulnerable populations. Critics argue that the government’s actions are part of a broader strategy to stifle civil society and consolidate power.
As Nicaragua continues to grapple with political and social unrest, the future of humanitarian and advocacy work in the country remains uncertain. For now, the Ortega regime’s crackdown shows no signs of abating, leaving many to wonder what the next chapter will hold for civil society in Nicaragua.
What do you think about the ongoing crackdown on NGOs in Nicaragua? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
nicaragua’s NGO Crackdown: A Conversation with Dr. Elena morales on the Closure of save the Children and Civil Society Suppression
In a recent escalation of its crackdown on civil society, the Nicaraguan government under President Daniel Ortega has ordered the closure of Save the Children International and 14 other NGOs. This move, announced in the official newspaper La gaceta, brings the total number of NGOs shuttered since 2018 too over 5,600. To understand the implications of this development, we spoke with Dr. Elena Morales, a leading expert on Latin American politics and human rights, about the motivations behind the crackdown, its impact on vulnerable populations, and the broader implications for civil society in Nicaragua.
The Closure of Save the Children and Other NGOs
Senior Editor: Dr. Morales, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the recent closure of Save the Children International and 14 other NGOs. What does this decision reveal about the Ortega regime’s approach to civil society?
Dr. Elena Morales: Thank you for having me. The closure of Save the Children and other NGOs is part of a broader pattern of repression that has intensified since the 2018 anti-government protests. The regime has systematically targeted organizations it perceives as threats to its authority, often accusing them of supporting foreign interference or destabilization efforts. Save the Children, with its global reputation and focus on children’s rights, is a notably high-profile target. By shutting it down,the government sends a clear message that no organization,no matter how influential,is immune to its crackdown.
The Role of Save the Children in Nicaragua
Senior Editor: Save the Children has been operating in Nicaragua since 2011.What impact has its work had on the country, and what does its closure mean for vulnerable populations?
Dr. Elena Morales: Save the Children has been instrumental in addressing issues like child poverty, education, and healthcare in nicaragua. Its programs have directly benefited thousands of children and families, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The closure of such a vital organization leaves a meaningful gap in support for these communities. Without NGOs like Save the Children, many vulnerable populations will lose access to essential services, exacerbating existing inequalities and hardships.
The Legal Framework Behind the Crackdown
Senior Editor: The government has cited “non-compliance with laws” as the reason for these closures. Can you explain the legal framework that allows the Ortega regime to shut down NGOs so easily?
Dr. elena Morales: In recent years, the ortega administration has introduced and tightened laws that severely restrict the operations of NGOs.These laws require organizations to register with the government, submit detailed financial reports, and align their activities with state priorities. In practice, this means NGOs must operate under government oversight, effectively losing their independence. The regime has used these laws as a tool to silence dissent, targeting organizations that criticize its policies or support marginalized groups.
The Broader Political Context
Senior Editor: How does this crackdown fit into the broader political context in Nicaragua, particularly in light of the 2018 protests and the government’s accusations of foreign interference?
Dr.Elena Morales: The 2018 protests where a turning point for Nicaragua. The government’s violent response, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, drew widespread condemnation. Since then, the regime has sought to consolidate power by eliminating any perceived threats, including NGOs, the media, and even the Catholic Church. The government frames these actions as necessary to protect national sovereignty, but in reality, thay are part of a strategy to suppress dissent and maintain control. By accusing NGOs of supporting foreign-backed coups, the regime justifies its repressive measures to both domestic and international audiences.
International Reactions and the Future of Civil Society
Senior Editor: The closure of Save the Children has drawn international concern.What has been the global response, and what does the future hold for civil society in Nicaragua?
Dr. Elena Morales: The international community has expressed alarm at the escalating crackdown,with human rights organizations and foreign governments condemning the closures. However, the Ortega regime has shown little willingness to heed external criticism.As long as the current government remains in power, the space for civil society in Nicaragua will continue to shrink. The future looks bleak for organizations working to promote human rights, democracy, and social justice. Without significant pressure from the international community, it’s unlikely that the situation will improve anytime soon.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr.morales, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the closure of Save the Children and other NGOs is part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and consolidate power in Nicaragua. As the international community watches these developments unfold, the plight of vulnerable populations and the future of civil society in the country remain deeply concerning.
Dr. Elena Morales: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. The situation in Nicaragua is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting civil society and holding governments accountable for their actions. We must continue to advocate for the rights of those affected and push for meaningful change.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing crackdown on NGOs in Nicaragua? Share your comments and join the conversation below.
