UN Experts Condemn Death of Nicaraguan Leader Brooklyn Rivera in Custody

Rivera, a long-time Indigenous rights advocate and political leader, had reportedly been held incommunicado for more than two years following his arrest in September 2023.

The United Nations Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua has strongly condemned the death of prominent Indigenous Miskito leader Brooklyn Rivera while in state custody, calling for an immediate independent investigation and raising serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death.

In a forceful statement, the experts accused Nicaraguan authorities of failing to meet their obligations under international human rights law and warned that the Government's handling of Rivera's detention, disappearance, death, and burial has deepened concerns about state responsibility.

The experts also expressed alarm over reports that authorities assumed control of Rivera's remains, restricted family involvement in mourning and burial arrangements, and detained several relatives and supporters who attempted to pay their respects.

Rivera, a long-time Indigenous rights advocate and political leader, had reportedly been held incommunicado for more than two years following his arrest in September 2023.

His death has intensified international scrutiny of Nicaragua's treatment of political opponents, Indigenous leaders, and human rights defenders.

Calls for Independent Investigation and Transparency

The UN experts stressed that international law imposes clear obligations on states when a person dies in custody. Jan-Michael Simon, Chair of the Group of Experts, said Nicaragua must immediately undertake an independent and transparent investigation into Rivera's death.

Under international law, Nicaragua must conduct an independent investigation into Brooklyn Rivera's death in custody, ensure a transparent forensic autopsy, return his remains to the family without delay, and guarantee accountability for his enforced disappearance and related violations," Simon said.

"These non-derogable duties under international human rights law cannot be evaded."

The experts argued that because Rivera died while under state control, authorities bear a heightened responsibility to explain the circumstances surrounding his death and provide credible evidence regarding what occurred.

The Group warned that any failure to conduct an independent investigation further strengthens concerns regarding state accountability.

"Failure to conduct an independent investigation and return the remains reinforces the strong presumption of State responsibility for Brooklyn Rivera's death in state custody, and shifts the burden of proof against Nicaragua," Simon added.

Government Attributes Death to COVID-19 Complications

The Nicaraguan Government issued a statement on 31 May asserting that Rivera died as a result of complications associated with COVID-19.

However, the UN experts strongly challenged that explanation, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his detention and disappearance cannot be separated from his death.

According to the Group, Rivera had been held for more than two years without contact with his family and without independent oversight of his health or wellbeing.

"Brooklyn Rivera did not die of illness," said Group member Reed Brody.

"He died of enforced disappearance — of more than two years in State custody without contact with his family, without independent medical oversight, and without any accountability."

Brody argued that regardless of the immediate medical cause of death, the state remained responsible for ensuring Rivera's safety and access to healthcare while in detention.

"The State had an obligation to protect his life and integrity. It did not," he said.

A Leading Voice for Indigenous Rights

Brooklyn Rivera Bryan was one of Nicaragua's most prominent Indigenous leaders and spent decades advocating for the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities along the country's Caribbean Coast.

At the time of his arrest on 23 September 2023, Rivera was 71 years old and served as a deputy in Nicaragua's National Assembly representing YATAMA, an Indigenous political party that has historically championed Indigenous autonomy and rights.

For more than four decades, Rivera was recognised both nationally and internationally for his work defending Indigenous land rights, self-governance, and cultural identity.

His political activism frequently brought him into conflict with government authorities, particularly over issues relating to Indigenous territories and political autonomy.

Human rights organisations have described him as one of the most influential Indigenous leaders in Central America.

Experts Describe Enforced Disappearance as International Crime

The UN experts emphasised that Rivera's prolonged disappearance while in custody may constitute a serious violation of international law.

Ariela Peralta, a member of the Group, stated that enforced disappearance is recognised internationally as a grave crime.

"Rivera's enforced disappearance while under State custody constitutes an international crime for which the Government of Nicaragua is legally responsible," she said.

The experts argued that when a person disappears while under state control and subsequently dies, additional legal consequences may arise.

"When a disappeared person dies, the actions that led to this consequence may also constitute multiple crimes against humanity, including murder, torture and persecution, in addition to enforced disappearance itself, giving rise to individual criminal responsibility," Peralta said.

The Group's comments indicate that international legal scrutiny of the case may extend beyond Rivera's disappearance and include broader questions about potential crimes committed during his detention.

Unanswered Requests for Information

The experts revealed that they had previously sought information from the Nicaraguan Government regarding Rivera's whereabouts and condition.

On 12 March 2026, the Group sent a formal communication requesting information about his fate and location.

According to the experts, the letter received no response.

The absence of official information contributed to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rivera's detention and intensified concerns among family members, supporters, and international observers.

The experts said authorities consistently failed to provide transparency regarding his status while in custody.

This lack of information became a central aspect of concerns regarding enforced disappearance.

Nine Other Individuals Remain Missing

Rivera's case is not the only one causing concern for the UN experts.

The Group reported that the whereabouts of nine other individuals who were arbitrarily detained remain unknown.

Among those individuals are two women whose locations and conditions have not been disclosed.

The experts renewed calls for authorities to provide immediate information regarding their status.

"Once again, we urge the authorities to immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of these nine persons and allow the visits of their families and legal counsels," Simon said.

The continued uncertainty surrounding these detainees has raised fears among human rights organisations that similar patterns of enforced disappearance may be occurring.

Broader Pattern of Violations Against Indigenous Communities

The Group stressed that Rivera's death cannot be viewed in isolation but should be understood within the wider context of treatment of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Nicaragua.

According to the experts, Indigenous governance structures on Nicaragua's Caribbean Coast have faced increasing pressure from government policies and actions.

The Group alleges that authorities have weakened Indigenous self-governance systems while failing to protect communities from armed settler invasions and violence.

The experts also accused authorities of using arbitrary detention, torture, and political persecution against Indigenous leaders.

These actions, they said, have become tools for suppressing dissent and limiting Indigenous political participation.

Findings From Previous Investigations

The concerns raised by the experts are supported by findings from earlier investigations.

In a report published in 2024, the Group documented extensive violations affecting Indigenous communities and leaders.

The report recorded 124 cases of arbitrary detention involving Indigenous leaders, defenders, and community rangers between 2018 and 2024.

The experts also documented at least 46 Indigenous people killed during violent incidents over the same period.

The report further highlighted the criminalisation of Indigenous political figures, including Nancy Henríquez, Rivera's alternate representative within YATAMA.

According to the Group, these incidents reflect a sustained pattern of repression targeting Indigenous advocacy and political participation.

International Community Urged to Act

The experts concluded by urging the international community to pay closer attention to the situation facing Indigenous peoples in Nicaragua.

They warned that Rivera's death represents not only a personal tragedy but also a symbol of broader human rights concerns affecting Indigenous communities throughout the country.

"Brooklyn Rivera spent four decades defending the rights of his people," Brody said.

"His death demands that the international community finally pay full attention to their situation."

The Group called for continued international monitoring, accountability measures, and support for Indigenous communities facing persecution and violence.

As demands grow for an independent investigation into Rivera's death, human rights advocates argue that the case has become a critical test of Nicaragua's willingness to comply with international legal obligations and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.

For many observers, the circumstances surrounding Rivera's disappearance and death have become emblematic of broader concerns about human rights, political freedoms, and Indigenous rights in Nicaragua.