NGO: 838,363 Nicaraguans forcibly displaced since 2018, the largest exodus in history

An estimated 838,363 Nicaraguans have been forced to flee their country since April 2018, constituting the largest exodus in the nation's history, according to the human rights NGO Colectivo Nicaragua Nunca Más. This figure represents 11.8% of Nicaragua's estimated population of 7.09 million.

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More than 838,363 Nicaraguans were forced to leave the country between April 2018 and December 2024.

The NGO, composed mainly of exiled Nicaraguan activists based in Costa Rica, described the ongoing exile as one of the "most serious consequences of the human rights crisis provoked by the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo." The group called on states, international organizations, and host communities to urgently provide comprehensive protection for Nicaraguans displaced by repression, political persecution, and the closure of civic spaces.

Costa Rica continues to host a significant portion of this humanitarian emergency. As of October 31, 2025, the UNHCR reported that Costa Rica provided international protection to 207,456 individuals, with 85% originating from Nicaragua. The Colectivo emphasized that each asylum request represents separated families, persecuted human rights defenders, released political prisoners under threat, journalists forced into exile and statelessness, and community leaders compelled to rebuild their lives far from home.

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the exile of Nicaraguans continues to be one of the most serious consequences of the human rights crisis provoked by the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo

The NGO also noted incidents of violence against exiled Nicaraguans in Costa Rica, citing the cases of retired Major Roberto Samcam and activist Joao Maldonado. These events underscore the need for international protection to include concrete security, prevention, investigation, and support measures. The Colectivo demanded that Costa Rica and other host countries strengthen protection mechanisms, expedite asylum and regularization processes, and ensure access to essential services like healthcare, education, work, housing, and justice. They also called for diligent investigation into attacks on exiles and increased international cooperation to support host nations.

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Behind each asylum request there are separated families, persecuted defenders, released political prisoners under threat, journalists forced into exile and statelessness, peasant, community, student and religious leaders forced to rebuild their lives away from their country.