WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, three of Nicaragua’s leading pro-democracy and human rights groups launched the Civic Action for a Democratic Nicaragua (Civic Action)—an initiative to educate U.S. policymakers and the American people about the threat to freedom facing the Nicaraguan people.
Prime Policy Group will provide federal and legislative counsel for Civic Action’s three non-profit, non-partisan members, the Permanent Commission on Human Rights (CPDH), Movement for Nicaragua (MpN) and the Nicaraguita Youth Movement (MJN) during their advocacy efforts in the United States.
Following a bloody civil war in the 1980s, Nicaragua instituted democratic reforms designed to safeguard human rights, promote government accountability, and ensure the integrity of local and national elections. These reforms and continuing efforts to protect the rights of all Nicaraguans have come under methodical attack by President Daniel Ortega since his election in November 2006. Defying his country’s constitution, President Ortega is now illegally seeking a third term in national elections to be held November 2011.
Civic Action will educate U.S. policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch about political developments in Nicaragua and will urge their active engagement to ensure the legitimacy of the country’s November 2011 elections. Civic Action, moreover, will build a grassroots network of Americans who share the goal of protecting Nicaragua’s fragile and besieged democratic system.
In announcing the initiative, CPDH’s Marcos Carmona said, “The Ortega-led regime has prioritized the consolidation and perpetuation of its own power at the expense of the rights and best interests of the Nicaraguan electorate.” He continued, “Our decision to launch this initiative recognizes that, as advocates for human rights in Nicaragua, we need the support of the international community, including the government and people of the United States.”
Prime Policy Group Chairman Charlie Black said, “Over the last year, Prime Policy has worked closely with this coalition of Nicaragua’s leading pro-democracy groups to help them assess the need for Washington engagement and to articulate a U.S. advocacy agenda that strategically advances the coalition’s goal of free and fair elections in Nicaragua.” Black continued, “We are honored today to formalize our partnership and to begin the task of representing a trio of organizations that is so passionately committed to human rights and democratic governance, both of which are inherent to a free society.”
In representing Civic Action, Prime Policy Group will draw on its substantial experience representing international clients before U.S. policymakers. Prime Policy Group, one of Washington, DC’s premier global government relations firms, has approximately thirty professionals who have experience working for Republicans and Democrats in key foreign policy positions in the Legislative and Executive branches of the government.
Of Civic Action’s relationship with Prime Policy Group, Mr. Carmona said, “We are grateful to have gained in Prime Policy Group the services of such a respected and influential firm. Their advocacy on our behalf ensures that our voice will be heard by those making U.S. foreign policy decisions.”