UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement on human rights in Venezuela
Interactive Dialogue with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Venezuela. Statement delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.
Deputy High Commissioner,
We are concerned by the suspension of your Office’s operations and the expulsion of your staff based in Venezuela. It remains crucial that your Office is able to monitor closely and report effectively on the human rights situation in Venezuela.
2024 has seen an increase in the targeting of human rights defenders, including the arrest and detention of Rocío San Miguel. We remain deeply concerned about her case, and the increase in number of political prisoners to 264. This includes union leader Victor Venegas, who was recently released under precautionary measures, and four opposition campaign leaders, three of whom remain forcibly disappeared.
It is vital that the Venezuelan authorities respect the right to due process.
The UK notes the announcement of an electoral calendar for the presidential election and urges the Venezuelan authorities to grant access to international election monitors to observe. We continue to call for full implementation of the Barbados Agreement. Respect for civil and political rights, including the safe participation of dissenting voices, is a key element of ensuring fair and competitive elections.
Deputy High Commissioner,
What is the status of your engagements with Venezuelan authorities on those currently arbitrarily detained?
Thank you.