UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk raised alarm on Tuesday over the United States’ military operation in Venezuela, expressing deep concerns that it undermines fundamental protections for sovereign nations.
Türk’s remarks followed the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which has drawn international scrutiny.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reinforced Türk’s position, stating that the U.S. action could make “all States less safe around the world.”
Shamdasani disputed the U.S. justification for its intervention, citing the Venezuelan government’s “longstanding and appalling” human rights record.
She stated, “Accountability for human rights violations cannot be achieved by unilateral military intervention in violation of international law.”
Shamdasani highlighted that this intervention contravenes Venezuelan sovereignty and the principles laid out in the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of states.
She reiterated that such actions damage international security frameworks, a sentiment echoed by the UN Secretary-General.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) was expelled from Venezuela in February 2024 after documenting the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
Independent investigations by the Human Rights Council have previously revealed grave human rights abuses against opponents of the ruling party.
Shamdasani stressed that the Venezuelan people deserve accountability through a fair, victim-centered process, emphasizing that their rights have been violated for far too long.
Following the U.S. intervention, a state of emergency was declared in Venezuela, restricting free movement, seizing property for national defense, and suspending the right to assembly and protest.
Shamdasani noted concerns about the Venezuelan government’s historical suppression of free speech and assembly under the guise of national security.
The UN Human Rights Chief called on the U.S., Venezuelan authorities, and the international community to respect international law and ensure the protection of human rights.
She urged that the future of Venezuela should be determined solely by its people, with respect for their self-determination and sovereignty over their resources.
Despite the political turmoil, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with approximately eight million Venezuelans in need of assistance due to years of economic decline, repression, and instability.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a response plan is in place requiring about $600 million to support relief efforts.
OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke noted that while the political situation has changed dramatically, the humanitarian needs of the population have persisted. “For the broad mass of people, their humanitarian day-to-day situation hasn’t changed that radically,” he stated.
Among those in need, around 900,000 individuals face “very high” multisectoral needs, including access to food, nutrition, education, and health services.
OCHA has managed to provide aid to approximately two million people within Venezuela despite funding challenges.
Concerning Venezuelan refugees, the UN refugee agency UNHCR reported that nearly 7.9 million people have fled the country, with the majority finding refuge in Latin America and the Caribbean.
UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with humanitarian partners to support emergency relief efforts and protect displaced individuals in need.
As the world watches the unfolding situation in Venezuela, the UN continues to advocate for human rights and support initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region.
