Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 6, 2026 Human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela following the US military operation carried out last weekend.
"It is clear that this operation has undermined a fundamental principle of international law – the principle of the inadmissibility of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State," High Commissioner's spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said at a briefing in Geneva.
She also noted that the US justifies its intervention by citing human rights violations by the Venezuelan government, but that "accountability for human rights violations cannot be achieved through unilateral military intervention." Shamdasani emphasized the need for a fair and victim-centered process.
The UN Human Rights Office, headed by Türk, regularly publishes reports on the situation in Venezuela. According to the agency, the situation in the country has been deteriorating for ten years.
"We fear that the current instability and further militarization in the country as a result of US intervention will only worsen the situation," Shamdasani said.
"The state of emergency declared by Venezuelan authorities on Saturday is concerning because it allows, among other things, restrictions on the free movement of people, the seizure of property necessary for national defense, and the suspension of the right to assembly and protest," she added.
The High Commissioner calls on the United States and Venezuela, as well as the international community, to ensure full compliance with international law.
"The future of Venezuela must be determined exclusively by the Venezuelan people," Shamdasani concluded.
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