Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nicaragua: Human Rights

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Nicaragua about the human rights implications of the arbitrary detention of Juan Abelardo Mata Guevara, Bishop Emeritus of Estelí, and other religious leaders on 29 and 30 June, and the subsequent surveillance of them.

Answer: As set out in the UK's statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 16 March, we remain deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Nicaragua. This includes ongoing harassment and the arbitrary detention of members of the Church. We will continue to monitor developments closely and urge the Nicaraguan authorities to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, including those held because of their faith or belief.

Secondary information