The High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday urged Venezuelan authorities to release all those arbitrarily detained, both before and after the presidential elections last July.
“This includes human rights defenders , such as Javier Tarazona and Rocío San Miguel, and humanitarian workers,” Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council in his latest update on the situation in the country.
28 homicides uninvestigated
The High Commissioner again referred to the disproportionate use of force and violence during post-election protests in July and August, including by armed civilians supporting the government.
In this regard, he called for a “swift and effective” investigation into at least 28 homicides that, according to reports, included protesters, bystanders, and members of the armed forces.
Türk also referred to the “continued use” of anti-terrorist legislation against protesters, including teenagers, and reports of enforced disappearances and ill-treatment.
According to Venezuelan authorities, around 2000 people have been detained since the election. “I am concerned that many of these people have been arbitrarily detained, including teenagers and young adults, members of the opposition, human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers, as well as passers-by,” said Türk.
The authorities announced the initial release, subject to conditions, of more than 100 people. “They have since announced further releases. This is an important step,” the High Commissioner said, urging the authorities to review the cases of those still in detention.
Guarantees of a fair trial
The head of the human rights office also urged the authorities to guarantee fair trials to those arrested.
Furthermore, he called for detention conditions to be brought into line with international standards. “ The authorities must provide adequate food, clean water, and medical care to all detainees , many of whom are being held in overcrowded cells and are in urgent need of medical attention,” he said.
The High Commissioner reported that his Office has begun resuming operations in the country in recent weeks, after its staff were expelled in February 2024. “My hope is that we can regain our full presence,” he added.
Restricted civic space
Türk also said that civic space in Venezuela “continues to be restricted,” and referred to threats and harassment directed at human rights defenders, union leaders, journalists, opposition members, humanitarian workers and staff working at polling stations.
As many have left Venezuela, he encouraged states in the region to ensure their international protection and to adopt “a flexible approach” to expired identity documents.
At least three non-governmental organisations have reportedly ceased their activities amid allegations of surveillance, persecution and acts of reprisal, including targeted arrests and passport cancellations.
“This contributes to creating a climate of fear and social tension and prevents civil society organizations from carrying out their vital work,” said Türk, who also referred to restrictive legislation such as the Simón Bolívar Law and the NGO Law. “ These new laws risk undermining the exercise of fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, association, and political participation .”
In this regard, the High Commissioner noted that it is essential that the authorities take urgent measures to guarantee an open and inclusive civic space. “This is important for any society, and especially in Venezuela in view of the inauguration in January and the elections scheduled for next year,” he added.
He also referred to the six people who are currently at the Argentine embassy, assuring that they are willing “to support all efforts to find a solution.”
Volker Türk said political negotiations between the various stakeholders are “urgently” needed to agree on a “viable path forward.” “I call for all electoral processes to be transparent, inclusive, peaceful and in full compliance with international human rights standards,” he said.
Obstacles to food, education, health and decent work
The High Commissioner said that Venezuelans face serious obstacles in accessing food, education, health care and decent work, including a living wage.
“Wages remain extremely low despite an 8,5% increase in GDP last year. Marginalized and isolated communities are disproportionately affected by the lack of basic services.”
Although he referred to the recent announcement of measures to improve teachers' working conditions as "a step forward," he expressed concern about reports of arbitrary suspension of teachers' salaries, unfair dismissal of workers, and forced retirement of union leaders, including for their political opinions.
Illegal minery
Türk indicated that some indigenous communities also face the impact of illegal mining in their territory.
“I am alarmed by the news of the murder of an indigenous guardian who was involved in protecting the territory from mining. I ask for a transparent investigation into this murder, and into the murder of the defender of indigenous rights, Virgilio Trujillo, two years ago,” she said.
Finally, Türk reiterated that sectoral sanctions have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable and also affect the work of some human rights and humanitarian organizations. “They need to be reassessed and lifted,” he asserted.
“Society needs to heal, overcome divisions and polarization, and engage in inclusive dialogue as an absolute priority,” he concluded.
Press information
The Venezuelan ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva then told the High Commissioner that the tone of his speech, right at that moment, when “they are just taking the first steps” to reactivate cooperation with his Office, “does not contribute in any way to this process.”
“Coming here again to present information from the press, social media and self-serving narratives from sectors of the fascist opposition in Venezuela, supported and financed by the United States and the European Union, compromises the objectivity, impartiality and independence of the work of your Office,” said Alexander Yánez.
He also said that they reject the way the Office of the High Commissioner shows concern about the Simon Bolivar Law and the NGO Law “without any knowledge.” “Both laws serve to reinforce the protection of sovereignty, the right to self-determination and the duty of all Venezuelans to honor and defend the homeland,” he said in this regard.