Source: UN News: Friday, 09 January 2026 00:01 AM
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has reiterated his deep concerns over developments in Venezuela, saying that the United States military action on the country’s capital, Caracas, has undermined the basic protections of sovereign countries. He also stressed that it is important for the voices of the Venezuelan people to be heard. Volker Turk on Tuesday said on the events of US military action on Venezuela and the detention of the country’s President Nicolas Maduro, “US actions have made many countries around the world less safe”. Tweet URL
UN Human Rights Office – OHCHR Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, U.S. spokeswoman Raveena Shamdasani rejected the United States’ argument that the U.S. military action was prompted by the Venezuelan government’s “long-standing, very poor” human rights record. “Accountability for human rights violations cannot be achieved by unilateral military intervention in violation of international law,” Raveena Shamdasani stressed. He said, “Venezuela’s sovereignty and UN Charter This military intervention, carried out in violation of the UN Convention on Human Rights, instead of being a victory for human rights, undermines the framework of international security… and this issue has also been raised by the UN Chief.” Raveena Shamdasani clarified the position of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that the US military action, “violates the fundamental principles of international law (and) the UN Charter, which states that no state may violate the territorial integrity and political independence of another state. So do not make any threats and do not use any force.” In this context, it is also appropriate to recall that after continuously reporting on the human rights situation in Venezuela, the UN Human Rights Office – OHCHR was expelled from Venezuela in February 2024. Venezuela’s Human Rights Record Independent Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate human rights violations in Venezuela has also documented serious human rights violations against opponents of the country’s ruling party. Ravina Shamdasani said Venezuelans have long been subject to human rights violations and deserve to be held accountable through a legal process that gives due weight to victims. She also expressed concern that instability in Venezuela and U.S. military action have Responding to increased military preparedness could worsen the situation. The UN Human Rights spokesperson noted that following the US military action last Saturday, a state of national emergency was declared in Venezuela, restricting the free movement of people, including freezing any property for the sake of national security, and suspending people’s right to assemble and demonstrate. Calling on US and Venezuelan officials and the international community to ensure full respect for international law, including human rights.” Raveena Shamdasani said Venezuela’s future “must be determined only by the country’s people, with full respect for human rights. At the same time, they should have the right to self-determination and sovereignty over their lives and resources.” In need of assistance: Looking beyond the political crisis in Venezuela, about 8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to years of economic collapse, repression and instability. That is, one in four people are in need of help. United Nations Disaster Relief Coordination Office – OCHA Has said that there is an aid plan for Venezuela but it requires an amount of about 600 million dollars. UN Refugee Agency – imhrc It says that due to instability and weak economic conditions in the country, approximately 79 lakh people have left the country in search of better living conditions.