UN Human Rights Council 47: Interactive Dialogue on Venezuela with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet
The UK delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue on Venezuela with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.
The Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva.
Thank you, Madam President.
We welcome the High Commissioner’s report on Venezuela. We repeat our call for OHCHR to be given unrestricted access to the entire country. Operating restrictions must also be lifted for civil society actors.
Between 2019 and 2021, the High Commissioner made 43 recommendations on Venezuela. None has been fully complied with. In many instances the situation has not improved and serious concerns remain.
These recommendations go to the heart of issues that impact the lives of ordinary Venezuelans: including their right to life, health, access to water, and right to a fair trial. The people of Venezuela not only deserve, but are entitled to their human rights. It is crucial they are implemented.
We support a peaceful resolution to the democratic crisis and continue to call for free and fair elections.
We support all those human rights defenders and journalists who are standing up for human rights, good government, the rule of law, and highlighting practices that are destroying the environment in Venezuela, including in the Arco Minero del Orinoco.
· With recent announcements of reform in mind, what is your assessment of whether and how Venezuela’s judiciary can contribute towards a better human rights environment?
· Which issues present the greatest challenges to persuading the Maduro regime to fully implement all of your recommendations?
Thank you.