Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:
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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has celebrated the recent award given to María Corina Machado by the Nobel Peace Prize committee. This recognition underscores her outstanding work in promoting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the Office, expressed congratulations to Machado, stating that this award “reflects the clear aspirations of the people of Venezuela for free and fair elections, for civil and political rights, and for respect for the rule of law.”
Machado, 58, has faced severe reprisals due to her political activism. Barred from participating in last year’s presidential elections and living in hiding after being briefly detained at an opposition protest, she thanked the Nobel committee but emphasized that the award should be seen as “the achievement of an entire society,” downplaying her individual role.
The human rights situation in Venezuela has been a constant concern for the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, which has documented multiple violations. Its most recent report highlights post-election repression following the 2024 presidential elections, revealing that security forces may be implicated in at least 12 of the 25 deaths recorded during protests.
Volker Türk, the High Commissioner, has repeatedly stressed the need to address abuses of power in the country, denouncing the excessive use of force during protests that resulted in more than 28 deaths. Although the National Assembly of Venezuela has declared Türk and his team as “persona non grata,” the Office has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with the government, emphasizing the need for authorities to commit to protecting the rights of all Venezuelans.
The current context, marked by tensions and a climate of repression, significantly complicates the defense of fundamental freedoms in the country. As these events unfold, international attention is focused on the critical human rights situation in Venezuela.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
