U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

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

1. Albania
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brazil
6. Bulgaria
7. Canada
8. Chile
9. Colombia
10. Costa Rica
11. Croatia
12. Cyprus
13. Czech Republic
14. Denmark
15. Ecuador
16. El Salvador
17. Estonia
18. Finland
19. France
20. Georgia
21. Germany
22. Greece
23. Guatemala
24. Guyana
25. Honduras
26. Hungary
27. Iceland
28. Ireland
29. Israel
30. Italy
31. Japan
32. Latvia
33. Liechtenstein
34. Lithuania
35. Luxemburg
36. Malta
37. Monaco
38. Montenegro
39. Netherlands
40. New Zealand
41. North Madedonia
42. Panama
43. Paraguay
44. Perú
45. Poland
46. Portugal
47. Republic of Korea
48. Romania
49. Slovakia
50. Slovenia
51. Spain
52. Sweden
53. Switzerland
54. Ukraine
55. United Kingdom
56. United States of America