Nicaragua’s dramatic withdrawal from UNESCO over a press freedom award to exiled newspaper La Prensa has ignited global debate over censorship, sovereignty, and the cost of free speech.
At a Glance
- Nicaragua exits UNESCO after La Prensa wins press freedom award
- Government claims award promotes U.S. intervention in national affairs
- UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay expresses regret over the withdrawal
- La Prensa continues operating in exile despite regime pressure
- UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom
Nicaragua’s Bold Move
Nicaragua has formally withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after the organization honored La Prensa, an independent Nicaraguan newspaper, with the 2024 Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. According to DNYUZ, the government viewed the award as an insult, accusing La Prensa of inciting foreign intervention.
The newspaper, now operating in exile from Costa Rica and the United States, has been a vocal critic of President Daniel Ortega’s authoritarian government. Its recognition by UNESCO struck a nerve in Managua, prompting the sudden exit from the international body. The Journal confirmed that the decision was formally communicated in a letter to UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay.
Watch France 24’s coverage of the controversy at this video link.
The Reaction and the Accusation
Audrey Azoulay publicly lamented Nicaragua’s withdrawal, stating, “I regret this decision, which will deprive the people of Nicaragua of the benefits of cooperation, particularly in the fields of education and culture,” as reported by UNESCO. She emphasized that the organization was fully within its mandate when it awarded La Prensa for its role in promoting press freedom.
Nicaragua’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs countered with a fierce rebuke, calling the award a “diabolical expression of a traitorous anti-patriotic sentiment” and accusing La Prensa of pushing for U.S. “military and political interventions” in the country. The language echoed the administration’s longstanding claims of foreign plots against national sovereignty, turning an international accolade into a flashpoint of nationalist outrage.
UNESCO’s Role in Press Freedom
Founded in 1945 with a mandate to foster peace through education, science, and culture, UNESCO has remained a global advocate for freedom of expression. The Guillermo Cano Prize, named after a Colombian journalist assassinated for his work, symbolizes UNESCO’s commitment to protecting journalists and challenging repression.
UNESCO reaffirmed this mission in its official response, citing its founding principles: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” As tensions with Nicaragua escalate, UNESCO remains committed to its global role in supporting media freedom and democratic dialogue.
While Nicaragua’s exit may limit future cooperation on cultural and educational programs, the move also highlights the fragility of international alliances when human rights collide with authoritarian sensitivities.
Watch France 24’s coverage of the controversy at this video link.
