Nicaragua has officially withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) following a dispute over a press freedom award given to a Nicaraguan newspaper. The announcement came on Sunday after UNESCO honored La Prensa, one of Nicaragua’s oldest independent newspapers, with a prize celebrating press freedom.
The withdrawal marks a significant diplomatic break between Nicaragua and the UN cultural body, highlighting growing tensions over media freedom in the Central American nation. La Prensa has long been critical of President Daniel Ortega’s government and has faced numerous challenges to its operations in recent years.
Background of the Dispute
UNESCO’s decision to award La Prensa with a press freedom prize appears to have triggered the Nicaraguan government’s withdrawal. La Prensa, founded in 1926, has a long history of independent journalism in Nicaragua and has frequently reported on government actions that other media outlets have avoided covering.
The newspaper has faced increasing pressure under the current administration. In 2021, police raided La Prensa’s offices, and the publication was forced to suspend its print edition after government authorities held its paper supplies. Several of its journalists have fled the country, while others have faced harassment and legal challenges.
The UNESCO prize specifically recognizes media organizations that defend or promote press freedom, particularly in difficult circumstances or under threat.
International Reactions
The withdrawal has drawn attention from international press freedom advocates and human rights organizations. Many see Nicaragua’s decision as part of a broader pattern of restricting independent media and civil society organizations within the country.
Press freedom groups have documented a steady decline in media independence in Nicaragua in recent years. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, dozens of journalists have been forced into exile, while others face legal harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention.
A UNESCO spokesperson expressed regret over Nicaragua’s decision but reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting press freedom worldwide.
Implications for Nicaragua
By withdrawing from UNESCO, Nicaragua loses access to various educational programs, cultural heritage protection initiatives, and scientific cooperation opportunities that the organization provides to member states. The move also further isolates Nicaragua on the international stage.
The withdrawal comes amid other diplomatic tensions between Nicaragua and international organizations. In recent years, the Ortega government has expelled various international groups and restricted the operations of non-governmental organizations.
For La Prensa, the UNESCO recognition provides international visibility at a critical time when independent journalism faces severe challenges in Nicaragua. Despite operating under difficult conditions, the newspaper continues to publish online editions.
Media experts point to three main consequences of Nicaragua’s UNESCO withdrawal:
- Reduced international cooperation in education and cultural preservation
- Further diplomatic isolation
- Decreased access to technical assistance and funding for heritage sites
The Nicaraguan government has not specified whether it plans to reconsider its position or if the withdrawal is permanent. UNESCO’s charter allows member states to withdraw with one year’s notice, though immediate practical effects on cooperation may be felt sooner.
As press freedom continues to face challenges globally, UNESCO’s recognition of La Prensa stands as a statement of support for independent journalism in difficult environments, even as it has led to diplomatic consequences with the Nicaraguan government.
