Like most of its neighbouring countries in Central America, Nicaragua is beset with human rights problems related to poverty, discrimination and shortcomings in the administration of justice. Of particular concern is the administration of juvenile justice, child labour and trafficking. The country’s communities of indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants are among those most affected by poverty. The inadequacy of public services, including education, health and justice, in the areas inhabited by these communities is particularly high compared to other areas of the country.
OHCHR deployed a Human Rights Adviser to the UN Country Team, under the “Action 2” programme, at the end of 2007. The Adviser’s main priority will be to improve the integration of human rights standards and principles into the UN Country Team’s programmes and policies. The ultimate goal is to enable the UN Country Team to provide better support to Nicaraguan authorities and civil society for promoting and protecting human rights.