Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on Venezuela
Statement by the United States of America
As Delivered by Ms. Branka Bell
Human Rights Council, 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, High Commissioner Türk, for your report.
The United States supports a negotiated solution to the Venezuela crisis that leads to a return to democracy and the rule of law and establishes conditions for free and fair elections.
We call for the unconditional release of all persons unjustly detained, including U.S. nationals; support for victims of human rights abuses; denunciation of laws that sanction civil society; full respect for the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and the right to collective bargaining. We also call for an end to attacks against human rights defenders, trade union leaders, journalists, and the political opposition and their families.
We remain deeply concerned about the lack of judicial independence and fair trials, as well as the continued impunity for human rights abuses in Venezuela, highlighted continually in OHCHR reporting.
The United States is committed to working with partners to deliver invaluable humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people and to promote accountability for corrupt actors, human rights abusers, and those who undermine democracy.
What can this body do to promote and ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by the Maduro regime?
I thank you.
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