UN experts have warned of serious human rights violations in the context of the presidential elections scheduled for July 28 in Venezuela.

Lapatella

October 30, 2024, 5:39 am

Fifteen UN Special Rapporteurs, working groups and experts have warned of serious human rights violations that occurred in the context of the 28 July 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela and subsequent protests.

The experts claimed that as part of this electoral process, there were widespread arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force against demonstrators, enforced disappearances and unlawful deaths at the hands of law enforcement officials and civilian groups.

They also warned against the information received regarding “Harassment, persecution and prosecution of activists, human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, members of opposition political parties, persons perceived as dissidents, and in general citizens exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly or expression, as well as violations of due process and revocation of passports; Allegations that affect a large number of people, including girls, boys, adolescents, older people, people with disabilities, women, LGBT people, and indigenous people“.

“these facts”They are placed in a general and systematic context of serious human rights violations, as part of the harassment of political opposition and serious restrictions on the rights to public participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.“.

The letter was signed by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association; Working Group on the Issue of Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and Other Corporations; Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities; Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples; The independent expert on human rights and international solidarity; Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism: Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls.

To read the full statement click here