UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on Venezuela
UK International Ambassador for Human Rights Rita French gave a statement encouraging Venezuela to give effect to the previous recommendations made by the Fact Finding Mission and to fully cooperate with the Mission.
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission’s report once again highlights grave and persistent human rights violations, evidenced by rigorous documentation.
Venezuela’s security forces have largely avoided accountability for their crimes. Victims of state sponsored violence continue to be denied justice. The unfortunate politicisation of Venezuela’s judiciary has directly contributed to an environment of impunity. The international community must continue to scrutinise the Maduro regime’s efforts to shield perpetrators from accountability.
We are deeply concerned by the recent needless death of Gabriel Medina, a political prisoner. Gabriel died because he did not receive the healthcare he requested and needed. He is the latest of nine political prisoners who have died in custody since 2014.
We call for the release of the three members of the FundaRedes NGO who are still in detention. The regime’s practice of regularly targeting individuals and organisations engaged in human rights work stands in the way of democracy and a resolution to Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis.
We encourage Venezuela to give effect to the previous recommendations made by the Fact Finding Mission and to fully cooperate with the Mission.
Madam High Commissioner,
The Venezuelan regime has clearly not been taking its human rights obligations seriously in recent years. Do you see any signs that this may change in the near future?