Speech

40th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Venezuela

The UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered this statement during Venezuela's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Rita French
Published
25 January 2022
This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government
Location:
Geneva, Switzerland
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Rita French

The United Kingdom welcomes the arrival of the OHCHR and other UN actors in Venezuela. We are deeply concerned by their reports including on the use of the justice system to undermine democracy.

We urge Venezuela to allow unhindered humanitarian access.

We recommend Venezuela:

  1. Take urgent steps to end forced labour, sexual exploitation and human trafficking in the Arco Minero del Orinoco;

  2. Ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, including maternal and newborn health care and safe abortions;

  3. Respect political parties’ independence, lift arbitrary disqualifications of dissident leaders and cease to override Venezuelans’ will through court decisions.

Updates to this page

Published 25 January 2022