US trade office initiates investigation into Nicaragua human rights abuses
Al Jazeera
Trade representative Katherine Tai denounced the government of Daniel Ortega for ‘repressive acts’ against critics.
A federal office in the United States charged with shaping foreign trade policies has announced it would launch an investigation into Nicaragua’s government for “persistent attacks on labor rights, human rights and the rule of law”.
On Tuesday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative explained it had received “numerous credible reports” that Nicaragua’s government had committed “repressive” acts, including politically motivated arrests and extrajudicial killings.
“Such actions exacerbate worker exploitation and diminish economic growth and trade opportunities,” the office’s press release read.
The United States trade representative is a cabinet-level position in the US, serving directly under the president. Since 2021, Katherine Tai has served in the role under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
In Tuesday’s press release, Tai said it was the outgoing administration’s goal to ensure “a worker-centered trade policy”.
