This statement was delivered by Human Rights Watch at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) during an interactive dialogue with the independent international fact-finding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, held on 20 September during the 57th regular session of the UN HRC.
Mr. President,
We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for their report, which highlights intensified repression in Venezuela.
As we told this Council last session, the authorities significantly ramped up repression ahead of the elections, arresting and arbitrarily disqualifying members of the opposition, and further restricting already limited civic space.
Following the July elections, international monitors have raised serious concerns about the results presented by the National Electoral Council. As thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, they have been met with a brutal crackdown. At least 23 protesters or bystanders have been killed. Human Rights Watch has found evidence linking some of these killings with security forces and pro-Maduro armed groups known as “colectivos.”
According to Foro Penal, at least 1580 “political prisoners” have been arrested since July 29.
Prosecutors have charged hundreds with sometimes broadly defined crimes carrying harsh sentences, such as “terrorism.” On September 2, a judge issued an arrest warrant against opposition candidate Edmundo González, who has since been forced to flee the country.
Prominent human rights defender Rocío San Miguel remains behind bars, along with other human rights defenders and opposition members.
The authorities continue to refuse to cooperate with this Council’s Fact-Finding Mission, and now also with the OHCHR.
Given the heightened repression, non-cooperation, and lack of national pathways for accountability, the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission sadly remains essential and complementary to the important work of the Office ,which should also be supported; we urge members of this Council to support its full renewal for another two years this session.
We condemn the use of repressive measures to stop defenders in Venezuela from attending this Council session, and call on states to amplify their voices and ensure they are part of the solutions to this human rights crisis.
Thank you.
