The United Nations Office for Human Rights regretted this Thursday the decision by the Nicolás Maduro regime to suspend the activities of its branch in Caracas, and stressed that it is examining how to act accordingly.
Through a statement, office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said: “We regret this announcement and are evaluating the next steps to follow.”
«We continue talking with the authorities and other actors. Our guiding principles have been and will continue to be the promotion and protection of the human rights of Venezuelans,” added the spokesperson for the office led by High Commissioner Volker Türk.
His predecessor in office, the Chilean Michelle Bachelet, had signed an agreement in 2019 with Venezuela to improve cooperation on human rights, which allowed the continued presence of UN human rights officers in the country.
The UN has “Instrumentalized” its work against the Executive
According to the Maduro administration, it argued this Thursday that the United Nations office in the national capital has “instrumentalized” its work against the Executive, which has justified its suspension.
He also indicated that he will carry out a “comprehensive review of the terms of cooperation” agreed in 2019 with the United Nations body, and ordered the expulsion of 13 officials operating in Caracas.
Venezuela “requests that the personnel assigned to this office leave the country within the next 72 hours until they publicly rectify before the international community their colonialist, abusive and violating attitude of the United Nations charter,” said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil.
This decision comes a day after the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, claimed that the Venezuelan government prevented him from visiting detention centers and that the authorities constantly changed his agenda during his two-week visit. to the country, which concluded this Wednesday.
*With information from EFE*
#Office #Human #Rights #regretted #suspension #Caracas
**Interview with Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the UN Office for Human Rights**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Shamdasani. Recently, the United Nations has expressed concern over Venezuela’s presidential election and the suspension of your office’s activities in Caracas. Can you provide us with an overview of the UN’s stance on these developments?
**Ravina Shamdasani:** Thank you for having me. The United Nations has indeed raised significant concerns regarding the recent presidential election in Venezuela. Our experts noted that it lacked the basic transparency and integrity necessary for a fair electoral process. This situation is particularly alarming as it undermines the democratic principles that are vital for any functioning society.
**Interviewer:** The decision by the Maduro regime to suspend your office in Caracas seems quite concerning. What actions is the UN considering in response to this situation?
**Ravina Shamdasani:** We regret the announcement of the suspension of our activities, as the presence of our office in Venezuela is crucial for monitoring human rights conditions and providing necessary support. Currently, we are evaluating our next steps, which may include diplomatic engagements with the Venezuelan government and working through other avenues to ensure that human rights are upheld in the country.
**Interviewer:** What message do you wish to convey to the Venezuelan people in light of these challenges?
**Ravina Shamdasani:** Our message to the Venezuelan people is one of solidarity. The UN stands with you in your pursuit of human rights, democracy, and transparency. It is crucial during these challenging times to continue advocating for your rights and holding those in power accountable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Ms. Shamdasani. We appreciate your dedication to human rights and we look forward to seeing how the UN will navigate these difficult circumstances in Venezuela.
**Ravina Shamdasani:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the dialogue ongoing and remain committed to the cause of human rights everywhere.
