The United States was pleased to join 56 countries led by the Lima Group in co-sponsoring a joint statement on the persistent deterioration of the Human Rights Situation in Venezuela.
Joint Statement on the Human Rights Situation in Venezuela
46th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Delivered by Ambassador Silvia Elena ALFARO ESPINOSA
Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations in Geneva
on behalf of a group of 53 countries
Geneva, March 11, 2021
Madam President,
On behalf of 56 countries, we thank the High Commissioner for her oral update and express our grave concern over the persistent deterioration of the human rights situation in Venezuela, resulting in the second largest migration and refugee crisis in the world.
We denounce escalating restrictions on civic and democratic space, including press freedoms. The continuous deterioration of the rule of law and lack of independence of the judicial system is accompanied by the criminalization and systematic targeting of civil society organizations.
We reiterate calls to end repression and attacks on political actors, human rights defenders, humanitarian organizations, journalists and media workers. We insist on the immediate and unconditional release of all persons arbitrarily detained, as the High Commissioner and the Fact Finding Mission have recommended.
In the context of a humanitarian and health crisis, we call for unhindered access and distribution of humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people, especially medicines and vaccines.
Last December’s elections lacked the minimum standards for a democratic process. A peaceful and democratic solution to the Venezuelan crisis is urgently needed, through free, fair, transparent and credible presidential, parliamentary and local elections. We will support all efforts for Venezuelans to revive their democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law in the country.
Thank you
List of Co-Sponsors
- Albania
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Madedonia
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Perú
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America