UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on Venezuela

Thank you, Mr President.

We welcome the High Commissioner’s update. It is essential that the Office of the High Commissioner is granted full, unfettered access to all of Venezuela. This must include timely visas for its staff and access to mining areas, where there have been reports of violence against indigenous people and devastating environmental damage.

Nos siguen preocupando los intentos de intimidar y reprimir a líderes de la sociedad civil, a los periodistas y a los medios de comunicación independientes. El Reino Unido apoya a quienes defienden los valores democráticos, la libertad de los medios de comunicación y los derechos humanos.

The United Kingdom calls for the release of all political prisoners held by the regime. The absence of reliable data to inform understanding and the development of public policy on Venezuela’s myriad challenges makes it all the more important that civil society’s role in the country is protected and supported. We urge the regime to disclose reliable and timely data honestly and transparently.

What impact is the High Commissioner hoping that changes to Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice will have on holding the perpetrators of human rights abuses to account and providing justice to their victims?

Thank you.