The Struggle for Peace in the Midst of Repression: Unified Voices from Nicaragua’s Civil Society Leaders
Following the breakdown of political negotiations between the Nicaraguan government and key opposition figures in August, political repression by state security forces has continued unabated. Civil society leaders, rural leaders, and independent journalists, among others, have been targeted by the administration of President Daniel Ortega. Against this backdrop of growing violence and political instability, how can Nicaraguan civil society bring about change when dialogue has been foreclosed and repression is mounting? Is the international community sufficiently engaged in efforts to press for change? What are the implications of Nicaragua’s decision to deny the OAS Special Commission on Nicaragua entry to the country?
The Wilson Center’s Latin American Program and the Seattle International Foundation are pleased to host prominent Nicaraguan civil society leaders representing the Unidad Nacional Azul y Blanco (Blue and White National Unity, UNAB) and the Alianza Cívica (Civic Alliance), who for the first time have come to Washington with a common message demanding change in Nicaragua. Please join us for this important discussion on Thursday, September 26, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Opening Remarks
Eric L. Olson
Director of Policy, Central America in D.C. Program
Seattle International Foundation
Global Fellow, Latin American Program, Wilson Center
Speakers
Juan Sebastián Chamorro
Executive Director, Alianza Cívica
Violeta Granera
UNAB Political Council
Mario Arana
Alianza Cívica; President of AmCham Nicaragua
Haydee Castillo
UNAB Political Council
Moderator
Cynthia J. Arnson
Director, Latin American Program, Wilson Center
*This seminar will be in Spanish. Spanish to English translation will be provided. Please note headsets are limited.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Image Source: Flickr
Event Sponsors
Event Co-Sponsors
The Seattle International Foundation
Hosted By
Latin America Program
The Wilson Center’s prestigious Latin America Program provides non-partisan expertise to a broad community of decision makers in the United States and Latin America on critical policy issues facing the Hemisphere. The Program provides insightful and actionable research for policymakers, private sector leaders, journalists, and public intellectuals in the United States and Latin America. To bridge the gap between scholarship and policy action, it fosters new inquiry, sponsors high-level public and private meetings among multiple stakeholders, and explores policy options to improve outcomes for citizens throughout the Americas. Drawing on the Wilson Center’s strength as the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum, the Program serves as a trusted source of analysis and a vital point of contact between the worlds of scholarship and action. Read more