- High Commissioner Volker Türk said that since May 2023 they have documented 28 arrests for political reasons.
During an interactive dialogue with the member states of the organization, Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, presented his latest update on the situation in Venezuela, in which he stated that the violation of human rights in the country continues to be exacerbated due to the actions of the Venezuelan authorities.
The High Commissioner referred to the detention of activists Rocío San Miguel and Carlos Julio Rojas, who have not had access to lawyers of their choice for their defense. In this regard, he demanded the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including Javier Tarazona, director of Fundaredes, who has been “unjustly” detained for three years.
“Since May 2023, we have documented 28 arrests of people with dissident views. These practices must end immediately. I urge accountability for those who are victims of repression,” he said at the meeting held on July 3.
Violation of human rights in Venezuela
Regarding the transfer of detainees to El Rodeo prison, Türk expressed concern regarding the mistreatment of inmates and relatives, as well as the lack of access to timely legal assistance.
“People continue to be charged with terrorism charges that do not comply with human rights standards,” he added.
He said there are problems with the right to a fair trial. In this area, they have documented 29 cases of people being tried in the last year. He also indicated that the detainees have no contact with lawyers or relatives, which constitutes the perpetration of a forced disappearance.
Turk on expulsion from his office in Venezuela
High Commissioner Volker Türk said the expulsion of the members of his office from Venezuela “is inconsistent” with the argument of cooperation that had been agreed with the Venezuelan government.
“I insisted that my office was willing to build bridges between people and the State and suddenly my office was asked to leave the country, which is inconsistent with the signed agreement,” he said.
Concern over living conditions in Venezuela
Volker Türk said that despite official figures indicating a 5% growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, Venezuela still faces serious obstacles to accessing food, health and education. “Women, people in rural areas and indigenous people are proportionally more affected,” he said.
He explained that between July and August 2023, his office received reports suggesting that 74.6% of hospitals are short of doctors and 73.5% have few nursing staff.
She also mentioned that abortion remains criminalized in Venezuela, leading women to undergo unsafe procedures that can cause their death.
“I have urged the authorities to take action on concerns in the areas of health, education and nutrition, as well as to dignify remuneration in line with established international obligations,” he said.
Elections, an opportunity to respect the will of Venezuelans
The High Commissioner said that the upcoming presidential elections in Venezuela, scheduled for July 28, are a key opportunity to respect the will of the people.
“I deplore the fact that restrictions on civic space are increasing. In fact, the opposite is necessary: free and open spaces for debate,” he added.
In this regard, he said that as the election date approaches, his office continues to receive reports of arrests, including those of collaborators and members of the Venezuelan opposition.
Türk mentioned that over the past year they have documented with concern an increase in threats and persecution once morest civil society, such as journalists and human rights defenders, as well as 34 cases of arbitrary detentions.
The High Commissioner expressed his concern regarding the Anti-Society Law and the Anti-Fascism Law promoted by the government of Nicolás Maduro, which he believes “include vague and broad definitions of criminal types.”
He also mentioned that they documented the closure of radio stations and 50 websites, which is six more than those recorded in the last review.
“I call on the government to refrain from adopting legislation that would further restrict the right to participate in public affairs and freedom of association and expression,” he added.
Violations once morest vulnerable groups persist
During the debate, Volker Türk reported that there were 186 cases of femicide between January and November 2023. He commented that investigations are essential to determine those responsible, as well as to prevent these crimes.
He also mentioned the discrimination and violence once morest the LGBTIQ+ population that continues to persist on the part of state security forces, as well as the violation of the rights of indigenous peoples.
“We have documented excessive use of force and ill-treatment once morest them, so we are calling for an investigation and an end to it,” he added.
For the High Commissioner, building trust is the only way forward, especially in an electoral environment. In this regard, he urged the authorities to maintain an open dialogue to rebuild the social contract among Venezuelans.
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2024-07-03 23:47:09