‘All sides need to think about the future they want for Venezuela,’ says UN human rights chief

“After my meeting with the President [Nicolás] Maduro, you have publicly expressed your willingness to work to improve the judicial system. This is a key area for reform, and I offer the support and expertise of my Office to pursue this.” Volker Türk told reporters in Caracas at the end of his three-day visit.

In addition to Mr. Maduro, the UN human rights chief also met with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, senior government officials, judicial leaders, opposition figures, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders. victims of human rights violations. He left these discussions feeling that all sides recognized the need for reform.

The High Commissioner said he also recognized the need for domestic and international actors as well as the United Nations to help Venezuela overcome the crisis. “And also important is the opportunity to begin to overcome deep divisions and rebuild the social contract among Venezuelans,” he added.

‘Frank dialogue’ on reform and confidence building

“In candid conversations with the authorities, I raised issues related to civic space, detention conditions and judicial delays, among other issues, encouraging them to carry out their actions. meaningful step to reform the judicial and security sectors,” Türk said in a statement. Press Release issued by the United Nations human rights office, or OHCHRwhich he leads.

He also encouraged the authorities to take the lead in building trust with victims and civil society organisations, listening to them, engaging in meaningful dialogue and being responsive to the circumstances of victims. victim.

Finally, the High Commissioner said that during his visit he heard about people being arbitrarily detained and tortured, and family members killed during security operations and demonstrations. One woman, he explained, was deeply moved when she recounted two years ago how her sister had been detained, raped and tortured.

‘Stop Torture Once and For All’

“In meetings with the President and ministers, I have called for the release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained. This is also part of my global appeal to governments to pardon, pardon or simply release all those arbitrarily detained for exercising their basic human rights. ,” emphasized Mr. Türk.

He said he has been assured that torture complaints will be dealt with “a complete and definitive investigation and those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said, encouraging the The authorities also took decisive steps to end torture once and for all, and ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, which seeks to both prevent torture and improve detention conditions.

Socio-economic crisis exacerbated by sanctions

“The economic and social challenges facing Venezuela, including minimum wages and pensions, and the impact this has on people’s daily lives by curtailing their rights to food, water, health care, education, and other social and economic rights, are enormously communicated to me in my meetings with civil society, union members and pensioners. , among others,” continued the UN’s head of human rights.

He said he also heard from many people he spoke with, including humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies, about the impact of sectoral sanctions on the most vulnerable segments of the population and the barriers that sanctions create for the country’s recovery and development, especially in the wake of COVID-19 epidemic.

“Although the origins of the economic crisis in Venezuela predate the imposition of economic sanctions… it is clear that sectoral sanctions imposed since August 2017 have exacerbated the situation. aggravate the economic crisis and impede human rights,” said Mr Türk, reiterating his recommendation that member states suspend or remove measures that undermine human rights and aggravate human rights. humanitarian situation.

Mexican Dialogue

Noting that he was able to hear from both the Government and the Unity Platform delegations on the Mexican Dialogue political process, the High Commissioner said that he reiterated his support for the meetings. ongoing discussion and emphasizes the need to listen to victims in the political process.

“While I do not underestimate the challenges ahead, I urge them to listen to each other and embark on meaningful dialogue to find a shared vision for the future… All parties need to think about the future. future they want for Venezuela and my office is ready to act as a bridge between the State institution and the people,” he stressed.

As for Venezuelans abroad, Mr. Türk said he encouraged the Venezuelan authorities to continue and strengthen cooperation with UN agencies to ensure all those seeking a voluntary return, safe and decent.

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The High Commissioner also shared some of his general impressions, including the fragmentation and division of Venezuelan society; the overwhelming need and eagerness, expressed by many, to build bridges in an attempt to heal these divisions; and the human rights challenges facing the country in the civil, political, economic and social spheres.

In all his interactions, Mr. Türk says he emphasizes the importance of 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights This year. “This is not just a date in a diary or a magical text, but a real opportunity to address and promote many long-standing problems, foster dialogue and promote healing after many years. fractured decade,” he said.