Vice president,
We thank the High Commissioner for his report and share his concerns regarding the recent worsening of the human rights situation in Venezuela.
We are deeply alarmed by the arrest of opposition members, arbitrary disqualifications of opposition candidates, and efforts to further restrict civic space, as the authorities ramp up repression ahead of the elections in July.
Prominent human rights defender Rocio San Miguel remains behind bars, along with around 280 other political prisoners, including human rights defenders and members of the opposition.
Member States should urge the Maduro administration to allow robust international observation, ensure free voting, and respect the results, with continued attention on Venezuela before and after the election.
The recent expulsion of the Office from Venezuela is yet another demonstration of the authorities’ intolerance of any critical voices and disdain for the international human rights system. We call for the Office’s prompt, transparent, and unconditional return; and encourage them to work closely with civil society.
At the same time, the authorities continue to refuse to cooperate with this Council’s Fact-Finding Mission. There has been no meaningful accountability for the serious abuses the Mission documented, including those it concluded were crimes against humanity.
Given the heightened repression, non-cooperation, and lack of progress on accountability, the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission sadly remains essential and complementary to the important work of the Office.
Madam Vice-president,
We would like to ask the High Commissioner to elaborate further on what steps his Office is taking to promote and protect Venezuelans’ rights to participate in free and fair elections, and what measures other UN member states can take to support these efforts.
Thank you.
