Delivered by
Nada Al-Nashif Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
At
58th session of the Human Rights Council
Location
Geneva, Palais des Nations, Room XX
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
I would like to update the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Since the High Commissioner’s last update in December 2024, we note the announcement by the authorities that thousands of people, including adolescents, were conditionally released after being detained following the presidential elections. According to State officials, 2,006 people have been released, whereas civil society puts the number at some 1,485 people.
However, regretfully, arbitrary detentions are continuing. The independence of the judiciary is neither respected nor guaranteed. Counter-terrorism legislation continues to be widely used to prosecute and detain people, in violation of due process and fair trial guarantees, including the right to choose one’s own counsel, and other international norms and standards.
We are concerned about ongoing reports of torture and other forms of ill-treatment including in the Rodeo I detention centre, and of overcrowding, both in penitentiary and pre-trial detention centres. At least three people with critical medical conditions have died in custody, after being denied timely access to treatment, which is completely unacceptable. In some cases, women in detention have reportedly been denied access to hygiene kits. The Office has also received troubling reports of mistreatment of relatives of those detained, including invasive searches and the arbitrary denial of visits.
We urge the authorities to fulfil their obligation to ensure that detention conditions comply with international norms. We call for an end to arbitrary detention and the unconditional and immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, including human rights defenders, members of political parties and their relatives, journalists, and humanitarian and NGO workers.
Mr. Vice-President,
Enforced disappearances are reportedly continuing, including of members of opposition parties, journalists, human rights defenders, foreign nationals, as well as humanitarian workers.
Against this backdrop, civic space remains severely restricted.A climate of fear, intimidation, and persecution is silencing human rights defenders,journalists, and others perceived as dissident voices, limiting the exercise of free expression.
The requirements to comply with the Law on the Control, Regulation, Performance, and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organizations are not clear and are extremely burdensome, undermining freedom of association. We urge the repeal of all legislation that unduly restricts the rights to freedom of expression and of association.
In line with their human rights obligations, the authorities need to take steps to guarantee an open and inclusive civic space, which is crucial for the restoration of trust and social cohesion.
As authorities have announced a constitutional reform this year, I encourage them to ensure the process is transparent, participative and inclusive. All Venezuelans, from across society, must have their voices heard, and be able to participate meaningfully in this process. Any constitutional amendments must comply with international human rights law.
Mr. Vice-President,
Since our last update in December, high inflation has persisted in Venezuela, with disproportionate impacts on the lowest income earners in society. The income of Venezuelan people continues to be insufficient for many to make ends meet. According to UN estimates, 7.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Venezuelans continue to face significant challenges in accessing health services, decent work, and an adequate standard of living. There are continuing reports about the lack of vital medicine and medical supplies in an already understaffed public healthcare system. Most patients and their families reportedly are unable to cover the cost of drugs, and are often asked to bring their own supplies to surgeries.
The situation is worse for Indigenous Peoples, who are more exposed to HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, with little to no access to appropriate medical and emergency services. The lack of transparency regarding mortality rates limits the design of adequate prevention and response plans.
Some Indigenous communities also continue to suffer the impact of illegal mining on their territory, including in areas previously declared to be free of mining, in Amazonas state and elsewhere. Military operations to curb illegal mining must respect all rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent.
We are also concerned about reports of suspensions of public sector salaries and dismissals from employment, including of teachers, and in other sectors as well.
At the same time, we remain concerned that broad sectoral sanctions impact disproportionately the most vulnerable. They need to be reassessed and lifted.
Mr. Vice-President,
The Office’s dialogue with the Venezuelan authorities continues regarding our work in the country, and we urge that a prompt and full return of all staff to the country take place as soon as possible within a clear legal framework.
We remain committed to supporting the promotion and protection of human rights in Venezuela in cooperation with the authorities and all our partner.