The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over the human rights situation in Venezuela, following the detention of multiple opposition members and activists since the presidential elections on July 28th. His spokesperson, Stephan Dujarric, strongly condemned these arrests, which have targeted opposition figures, journalists, and human rights defenders.
Dujarric emphasized that a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Venezuela depends on full respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, the right to hold opinions without interference, and the right to peaceful assembly. Guterres has urged Venezuelan authorities to ensure respect for human rights and to release all arbitrarily detained individuals.
The spokesperson also noted that Guterres understands the frustration of the Venezuelan population, emphasizing that the path to lasting peace must be based on respect not only for human rights, but also for the dignity of each individual. The situation has worsened in recent days, with a notable increase in arrests, prompting the UN team in Caracas to reiterate the urgent need to safeguard human rights.
Human rights experts have called on Venezuela to end arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances, especially in the context of the upcoming inauguration of President Nicolás Maduro. Opposition parties have urged their followers to protest against what they see as irregularities in the recent elections, facing fears of reprisals from the State.
There have been reports of at least 19 arbitrary detentions and eight forced disappearances across the country. While some of the detained individuals have been released, there are still several cases of unresolved disappearances.
UN experts have warned of ongoing human rights violations without protection for the victims. The lack of accountability and guarantees to prevent future abuses has created a climate of terror among the population, who fear possible State reactions to mobilizations and protests.
Authorities must ensure the safety of participants in the upcoming protests and prevent any acts of violence. They have also been urged to immediately respond to reports of systematic actions against dissidents and to promptly release those arbitrarily detained, as well as clarify the fate of the disappeared individuals.
via: MiMub in Spanish