The United Nations human rights office in Venezuela has partially resumed its operations, according to Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This development follows the government of President Nicolás Maduro expelling its staff months ago, accusing them of aiding coup plotters and terror groups.
Türk shared this update during his address to the 47-nation Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, where he expressed grave concerns about the deteriorated conditions in Venezuela, particularly after the contested July presidential election. Both President Maduro and the opposition claimed victory after the polls.
“I remain deeply concerned by the disproportionate use of force and violence during post-electoral protests in July and August, including by armed individuals supporting the government,” Türk stated. He highlighted the alarming figure of approximately 2,000 detentions since the election, which involved adolescents, young adults, opposition members, human rights defenders, journalists, and bystanders.
Adding to his message, Türk also called for urgent investigations surrounding more than 20 killings attributed to the unrest following the election held on July 28. This election has faced accusations of being fraudulent, resulting in widespread protests across Venezuela's capital and other cities.
Türk's remarks came at a time when the UN office faced significant challenges. The Caracas office was ordered to close back in February, coinciding with escalated government repression against those viewed as political adversaries. This closure followed mounting criticism from within and outside Venezuela concerning the government's treatment of human rights defenders.
Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil announced the shutdown of the UN office, asserting it had transformed from its original mission to become “the private law firm of coup plotters and terrorist groups.” Despite these assertions, which were made without any substantiative evidence, the international community has condemned Maduro's government repeatedly for its violent record against dissenters, including allegations of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Türk reiterated his hope for restoring full operations as he emphasized the need for cooperative dialogue. “It was clear to me then, as it is now, the society needs to heal; overcome divisions and polarization; and engage in inclusive dialogue as an absolute priority,” he remarked, signaling the UN office's role as potentially central to this healing process.
Surprisingly, amid the rising tensions, there was also news of prisoner releases by the government. An estimated 225 political prisoners were released under precautionary measures on November 26, signaling some level of responsiveness from the Maduro administration. Türk acknowledged this move as “an important step,” yet insisted on the need for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including those arrested during the post-election protests.
The human rights situation remains precarious, particularly concerning the treatment of detainees. Reports suggest detainees are facing overcrowded cells and inadequate access to food, clean water, and healthcare services. Türk emphasized this concern during his address, stating the continued use of counterterrorism legislation against peaceful protests as highly disturbing.
Looking forward, the challenges remain significant as Maduro prepares for his inauguration scheduled for January and subsequent National Assembly elections later this year. The international community watches closely, as the dynamics between the Venezuelan government and opposition continue to evolve amid claims of democratic illegitimacy.
Ambassador Alexander Yánez, representing Maduro's administration, reacted to Türk’s comments, claiming they detracted from the UN office's ability to operate effectively. He labeled the criticisms as narratives benefiting the opposition, thereby complicity questioning the objectivity, impartiality, and independence of the UN office's work.
Now as the UN office resumes its activities, the quest for genuine reform and resolution to Venezuela’s human rights crisis hangs delicately in the balance. The efforts and reactions moving forward will shape the extent of international engagement and support for the beleaguered Venezuelan populace.
