VENEZUELA: HUMAN RIGHTS EMERGENCY CALLS FOR ROBUST ACTION FROM UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

“The Venezuelan people keep resisting a ruthless and systematic policy of repression from Nicolás Maduro’s government. The inspiring work of human rights defenders inside the country stands in stark contrast to state-sponsored brutality, including at least 20 people killed by use of force, thousands of arbitrary detentions, and oppressive legislation targeting civil society. Some of these crimes could amount to crimes against humanity and be subject to the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court

The UN Human Rights Council must respond to the grave findings of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela (FFM) and renew its critical mandate, said Amnesty International as the FFM presented its latest report to the Council this week.

The report details “one of the most acute human rights crisis” in the country’s recent history, identifying a “new milestone in the deterioration of the rule of law” following presidential elections in July, and, crucially, also concluding that “the violations documented in the period covered by its mandate (…) constitute the crime against humanity of persecution on political grounds”.

Americas director at Amnesty International, Ana Piquer, redoubled the call for effective action, stating:

“The Venezuelan people keep resisting a ruthless and systematic policy of repression from Nicolás Maduro’s government. The inspiring work of human rights defenders inside the country stands in stark contrast to state-sponsored brutality, including at least 20 people killed by use of force, thousands of arbitrary detentions, and oppressive legislation targeting civil society. Some of these crimes could amount to crimes against humanity and be subject to the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.”

“The Venezuelan people keep resisting a ruthless and systematic policy of repression from Nicolás Maduro’s government. The inspiring work of human rights defenders inside the country stands in stark contrast to state-sponsored brutality, including at least 20 people killed by the use of force, thousands of arbitrary detentions, and oppressive legislation targeting civil society. Some of these crimes could amount to crimes against humanity and be subject to the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

“While the people of Venezuela continue their relentless fight for full respect of their rights and freedoms, including to truth and justice, the member states of the UN Human Rights Council gathered in Geneva until 11 October must demonstrate their commitment to human rights in the country. In the coming weeks, this global human rights body must show its unequivocal support to the Venezuelan people by renewing the mandates of its Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

While the people of Venezuela continue their relentless fight for full respect of their rights and freedoms, including to truth and justice, the member states of the UN Human Rights Council gathered in Geneva until 11 October must demonstrate their commitment to human rights in the country. In the coming weeks, this global human rights body must show its unequivocal support to the Venezuelan people by renewing the mandates of its Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

“We welcome region-led efforts to present a resolution renewing both mandates with a view to ensuring rigorous monitoring, protection, and reporting for the next two years. By supporting these efforts and adopting the resolution, the Council would send a clear message to perpetrators reminding them that the world is willing to uphold its commitment to hold them accountable for their actions.”

The FFM published its report ahead of a debate on Venezuela at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council held on 20 September. Amnesty International delivered an oral statement during the debate.