Amnesty International criticises Nicaraguan government over canal evictions

Amnesty International has denounced the Nicaraguan government over its handling of the proposed Nicaragua Canal, claiming it could lead to the forced eviction of hundreds of families.

According to the non-governmental organisation (NGO), an “obscure legal framework” led to the concession of the project being awarded without genuine consultation with affected communities, violating human rights and potentially leaving many people homeless.

The Nicaraguan congress passed a law in June 2013 that gave a green light to the development of a canal that will link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and a number of related sub-projects (including an airport, two ports, a pipeline, a railroad track, and two free trade areas).