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ABOUT ISA

Statement on the Central American University and other universities in Nicaragua

The International Sociological Association (ISA) expresses concern over the recent developments at the Central University of Nicaragua (UCA). We are particularly concerned about reports of the intervention and appropriation of its assets and other actions that affect the human rights of students, staff, and other people linked to the institution.

The Nicaraguan government has implemented policies and interventions in the country’s universities in recent years. Universities have been closed, and property has been confiscated from public and private universities. In addition to these actions is the persecution of faculty and students, putting their physical integrity, freedom of expression, and organization at risk, and therefore profoundly and negatively affecting all academic activity.

The UCA is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. An essential academic activity in social sciences has been developed there. Without any evidence or legal guarantees, it is accused of terrorism and violation of the Constitution and legal order. The government intervened in the UCA, and its assets have been confiscated and its bank accounts frozen.

The ISA calls for the respect of university autonomy throughout Nicaragua and for the return of all its assets and of UCA university management to its legitimate authorities. It also demands respect for the rights of everyone involved in this process, taking care of the physical integrity of officials and students and the labor rights of academic and administrative staff.

The ISA calls on all colleagues and academic institutions to denounce this situation and demand the restoration of human and legal rights at the UCA and in the country’s higher education system more generally.
 

November 9, 2023