Venezuela: Chilean Human Rights Commission warns of serious human cost of international sanctions
Carlos Margotta, the director of International Relations for the Chilean Human Rights Commission, analyzes the complex situation facing the Caribbean country. He warns that allegations against the regime must be investigated and points to the mobilization of the opposition, referencing a pattern that has persisted for over two decades.
Amidst the complex situation that Venezuela is experiencing following the disputed presidential election result, which led to the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro for another term, the opposition continues to assert that its candidate, Edmundo González, was the actual winner in an election they claim was fraudulent. We consulted Carlos Margotta, who, as the Director of International Relations of the Chilean Human Rights Commission (CCHDH), provided his perspective on the issue.
In his analysis, Margotta first refers to the serious accusations made against the Chavista regime in recent weeks, stating that “Regarding accusations of human rights violations, we hope that the Venezuelan State through its institutions responsible for investigating and sanctioning, fulfills its role properly.”
“Just as they did concerning the complaints of human rights violations that occurred during the protests between April and July 2017,” he notes in the context of the escalating tensions in Venezuela, worsened by new protests amidst calls for popular gatherings, such as the “worldwide” event scheduled for this Saturday, August 17, aimed at pressuring for the release of documents that would support the victory of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) candidate.
Simultaneously, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the allegations, Margotta refers to the actions that external entities can undertake, assuring that, “in cases involving organizations that are part of the international human rights protection system, they are tasked with receiving complaints related to actions attributed to state agents when domestic remedies are exhausted.”
The UN should heed Machado’s call
Likewise, he asserts, “the specialized bodies of the UN should take proper note of the call made by the opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, particularly to the United States, not only to intervene openly in Venezuela but also to impose new economic sanctions against the Venezuelan State.”
This is because, as our interviewee explains, these actions are “prohibited” under International Law and International Humanitarian Law.”
“It is important to remember that on September 26, 2014, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 27/21 regarding human rights and unilateral coercive measures,” he stressed.
In this context, he clarifies that “the resolution emphasizes that unilateral coercive measures are contrary to international law.” international humanitarian law, the Charter, and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations between states. It also stresses that in the long term, these measures may lead to social issues and raise humanitarian concerns in the nations they target.”
“For these reasons, the Human Rights Council decided to create the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights,” he stated.
US pressure on Venezuela
Delving deeper into this topic, Margotta references the treatment that Maduro’s Venezuela has received from the White House.
“Venezuela has faced US sanctions since 2005, but more intensely since 2015. Between 2019 and 2020, the US Treasury Department imposed an oil embargo, a blanket ban on all dealings with Caracas, and halted fuel and diluent imports and swap agreements,” he explains.
He also recalled that “Washington imposed secondary sanctions and a series of other measures, such as freezing or seizing several Venezuelan assets abroad,” and noted that, even Michelle Bachelet addressed the measures against Venezuela in 2019 while she was serving as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In this context, Margotta cites the former Chilean president when she expressed her concern about this approach by the United States, stressing that the “sanctions” are overly broad and “lack adequate measures to mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable sectors of the population.”
Citing Bachelet’s concern over “greater implications for the rights to health and food”, particularly in a country that is already facing a severe shortage of essential goods, Margotta emphasizes that “to date, these sanctions impose a serious human cost on the population and are a primary factor driving Venezuelan migration, which has severely affected all countries in the region, including Chile.”
The opposition has always “alleged fraud in advance”
Moreover, Margotta questions the opposition’s stance by detailing its history of disputing the results of elections in which they have participated for the past two and a half decades.
“In the 25 years of Chavista governance in Venezuela, there have been 30 elections, and the opposition has consistently alleged fraud “in advance,” states the director of International Relations at the Chilean Human Rights Commission.
This highlights that “despite winning two significant elections — the 2007 constitutional referendum and the 2015 parliamentary elections for the National Assembly.”
Please review the full statement by Carlos Margotta regarding the situation in Venezuela in the attached file:
Venezuela: Chilean Human Rights Commission Warns of Serious Human Cost of International Sanctions
Carlos Margotta, the Director of International Relations of the Chilean Human Rights Commission (CCHDH), offers an insightful analysis of the pressing issues faced by Venezuela amid escalating political tensions. With the recent presidential election results challenged, Margotta underscores the urgent need for investigations into complaints against the Venezuelan regime while highlighting the intertwining dynamics of opposition involvement over the past two decades.
Current Political Climate in Venezuela
Venezuela’s political landscape is at a critical juncture following the contentious presidential elections where President Nicolas Maduro was proclaimed the winner amidst widespread allegations of electoral fraud. The opposition, led by candidate Edmundo González, asserts claims of a rigged election process. This scenario sets the stage for heightened societal unrest and the potential for large-scale protests.
Human Rights Violations and Accountability
Margotta emphasizes that accusations of human rights violations against the Maduro government must be rigorously examined. “We hope that the Venezuelan State will fulfill its role in investigating and prosecuting human rights violations,” he asserts. He references the previous instances of reported abuses during protests in 2017 and urges governmental accountability.
Role of International Organizations
Non-governmental organizations and international human rights bodies have a vital role to play as Margotta notes the importance of reporting mechanisms for victims seeking justice. He states, “Organizations that are part of the international human rights protection system are responsible for receiving complaints for acts attributed to state agents when domestic remedies are exhausted.” This highlights the need for external oversight in a situation where domestic avenues for justice may be limited.
The Impact of International Sanctions
Margotta also articulates the detrimental effects of international sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States, that have compounded the crises faced by Venezuelans. He remarks on the fact that the UN should heed the urgent call from opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to reconsider sanctions aimed at Venezuela, which Margotta argues are in breach of International Law.
UN Resolutions and Humanitarian Impact
He recalls the Human Rights Council’s resolution 27/21, which contends that unilateral coercive measures contravene universal principles governing inter-state relations. According to Margotta, these sanctions not only threaten the political stability of a nation but also inflict dire humanitarian repercussions. “Such actions can lead to extensive social issues and humanitarian crises in affected states,” he elaborates.
US Sanctions: A Closer Look
Venezuela’s experience with US sanctions has been long-standing, intensifying significantly since 2015. Margotta highlights the drastic measures from the US Treasury Department, which included an oil embargo and bans on economic engagements with Caracas. He reflects on the former UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet’s warnings regarding the impact of these sanctions on health and essential goods, stressing that these economic penalties have exacted a grave human cost.
The Consequences of Sanctions on Vulnerable Populations
Margotta notes that the sanctions disproportionately affect vulnerable sectors of the Venezuelan populace, exacerbating issues like hunger and healthcare accessibility. “These sanctions have become a primary factor driving Venezuelan migration, which poses challenges not just for Venezuela but for neighboring countries including Chile,” he points out. This highlights the ripple effect of Venezuelan instability across the region.
A Pattern of Allegations in Venezuelan Elections
Margotta critiques the opposition’s chronically disputed electoral processes over the last 25 years, wherein they have consistently alleged fraud in every election, regardless of outcomes. He notes that, “Despite having won key elections, such as the 2007 constitutional referendum and the 2015 National Assembly elections, accusations of fraud continue to cloud Venezuela’s political landscape.” This pattern indicates an enduring distrust in electoral integrity and governance.
Concluding Remarks on the Venezuelan Situation
The complexity of the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is undeniable, with international sanctions, political strife, and deep-seated human rights violations contributing to a bleak outlook. Margotta’s insights serve as a clarion call for action, urging local and global stakeholders to reevaluate their roles and responsibilities in ameliorating the sufferings of the Venezuelan people.
