Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 16, 2025 Human rights
Arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and generally high tensions persist in Venezuela, stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Speaking at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that the situation in Venezuela has not improved since June, when he last presented his report.
Pressure on civil society
The High Commissioner reported that in September and November, the Venezuelan government passed laws expanding emergency powers under the pretext of external threats. However, the content of the new legislation was not published, making it impossible to assess its compliance with international law.
According to Volker Türk, pressure on civic space has noticeably increased. He also noted the increasing militarization of public life, which "increases the risk of violence in a society already facing high crime rates." The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has received reports of forced recruitment into the Bolivarian National Militia, including of adolescents and older people.
"The authorities encourage denunciations of relatives, neighbors, and colleagues through a state-sponsored mobile app," Türk added, emphasizing that "such a policy breeds fear, mistrust, and self-censorship."
Persecution of journalists and human rights activists
The High Commissioner recalled that the NGO oversight law adopted last year continues to severely restrict the activities of civil society organizations. Journalists, human rights defenders, opposition representatives, and humanitarian workers, he said, "continue to face threats, harassment, and the risk of arbitrary detention simply for doing their jobs."
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The UN's top human rights official reported that several journalists were arbitrarily detained and remain in custody, while "hundreds of people are imprisoned for political reasons." The recent detention of the general secretary of the largest trade union, he said, "sent a chilling message to workers across the country."
Deaths in custody and enforced disappearances
Moreover, detention conditions "undermine the physical and mental health of detainees and, in some cases, cost them their lives." According to the OHCHR, at least five people detained in connection with the 2024 presidential elections have died in custody.
"All these cases must be immediately and independently investigated," Turk said.
He also noted the increasing number of transfers of detainees to unknown locations, "some of which amount to enforced disappearances." In a number of centers, people continue to be held incommunicado, "which is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights."
Turk noted the release of at least 51 people since the last report, including members of the political opposition, foreign citizens and people in poor health.
At the same time, according to the High Commissioner, since July, the detention of "at least 17 people – mostly women, children, and the elderly – in connection with the activities of their relatives has been documented." The fate and whereabouts of another 12 people remain unknown.
The UN's top human rights defender has called for the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained for their civic activism.
Economic crisis and regional tensions
Speaking about the socio-economic situation, Türk noted that Venezuelans face “poverty and hunger” on a daily basis.
"Inequality and prices are skyrocketing," he said, noting that inflation is projected to reach 270 percent in 2025.
“The minimum monthly wage is more than 1,000 times less than the cost of a basic food basket,” the UN representative emphasized.
The High Commissioner also expressed concern about the possible impact of the growing US military pressure on the human rights situation.
"History has shown time and again that when confrontations escalate, it is ordinary people who find themselves caught in the crossfire," he said, calling on the United States to use established methods to combat the drug trafficking problem.
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