A/HRC/58/17 67. The Vice-President of the Human Rights Council reminded States of their responsibility to prepare and deliver statements as part of the interactive dialogue and that the delivery of statements on the premises of the United Nations did not imply any official decision on the part of the United Nations. 68. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed concern about deteriorating human rights, citing church closures, harassment, civic space restrictions, media repression and intimidation of exiled Nicaraguans. 69. The United Republic of Tanzania noted efforts to reduce extreme poverty, guarantee a safe work environment and improve healthcare and access to education. 70. The United States of America expressed concern about the ongoing failure to respect human rights and the lack of meaningful progress in implementing the recommendations from the previous review cycle that Nicaragua had accepted. 71. Viet Nam commended Nicaragua for its progress in addressing illiteracy among rural populations, its healthcare investments and its initiatives for gender equality and women’s empowerment. 72. Zimbabwe commended the efforts to implement recommendations from the previous review and to strengthen human rights protections and the well-being of Nicaraguans, despite the challenges posed by unilateral coercive measures. 73. Algeria welcomed the initiatives to strengthen social protection, healthcare and education and noted the efforts to combat poverty. 74. Argentina expressed concern about the violation of human rights since 2018, documented in the successive reports of OHCHR and the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. 75. Australia was concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation, including reprisals against Indigenous leaders and women’s rights organizations. 76. Austria was troubled by the persecution of persons perceived as opponents and violations of the right to a fair trial. It urged Nicaragua to ensure the right to freedom of expression. 77. Azerbaijan applauded the progress made in gender equality and women’s empowerment, as reflected in the 2024 women in politics map. 78. Belarus noted the significant progress made in protecting human rights and ensuring social well-being and stability, despite the large-scale sanctions against Nicaragua. 79. Belgium welcomed the efforts made by Nicaragua since its previous review, while noting that serious human rights concerns remained. 80. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the progress made to empower women, combat poverty and improve education and food and nutrition security. 81. Brazil stressed the need to respect freedom of thought and to punish those responsible for all types of violence. It urged Nicaragua to maintain its cooperation and dialogue with the Human Rights Council. 82. Bulgaria acknowledged the efforts made to combat poverty and ensure food security, while remaining concerned about continuing human rights violations. 83. Burkina Faso commended the commitment to improve the living conditions of Nicaraguans in a sustainable manner. 84. Burundi congratulated Nicaragua on its ranking in terms of gender equality and women’s empowerment and the measures taken to promote economic and social progress. 85. Canada was concerned by the lack of information regarding various individuals in detention. It encouraged Nicaragua to allow them family visits and access to legal counsel of their choosing to verify their condition. GE.24-23484 7