U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement on Venezuela at the Universal Periodic Review 40th Session 

January 24, 2022

As delivered by Ambassador Crocker, Amb. to the UN in Geneva 

The United States is extremely concerned by the Maduro regime’s abuses against the Venezuelan people.  

We recommend Venezuela:

1. Hold accountable all Maduro regime operatives, agents, and members of security forces or pro-regime armed groups who are responsible for human rights violations or abuses—including those such as the FAES involving unlawful killings, forced disappearances, torture, and other physical and sexual abuse—by initiating investigations into credible allegations in the next six months;
2. Release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and take immediate steps to end arbitrary arrest and detention;
3. End immediately all undue interference with freedoms of expression, religion, association, and peaceful assembly.  Allow all independent media, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and humanitarian organizations to operate without undue restrictions or threats.