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Joint Statement on the Human Rights Situation in Venezuela
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6 MINUTE READ
March 11, 2021

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

  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

Events, Human Rights, Human Rights Council, News
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