We are closely following the situation in Venezuela

Civil Rights Defenders is closely monitoring events in Venezuela from a human rights perspective, following the recent attacks by the United States. We are currently in contact with human rights defenders and partners in the region to obtain more information and updated data as the situation develops.

“Venezuelan society has suffered years of systemic repression, arbitrary detentions and severe restrictions on civic space under the government of Nicolás Maduro. It is the Venezuelan people, who have been fighting for freedom for years, who must be able to decide their own government and their future. Venezuelan civil society must play an important role in the transition to guarantee a peaceful and democratic process,” says Maria Pia Alvira, Latin America Department Director at Civil Rights Defenders.

Civil Rights Defenders express serious concern over the use of US military force on Venezuelan territory, which violates international law and the United Nations Charter, as well as the possible establishment of a transitional rule led by the US Government. We are concerned about the lack of information provided by President Trump’s administration on this political transition process and how human rights and respect for the lives and safety of the Venezuelan people will be prioritised.

One Venezuelan human rights defender that we talked to today said, “Political prisoners remain in grave danger. We demand their immediate release and insist that they not be subjected to reprisals for current events, as they remain under the control of military authorities and the regime’s repressive organs. It is essential that the terms of the transition be clarified without delay, and that this transition take place firmly within the framework of human rights and the will of the people. Only then can institutional legitimacy be established as swiftly as possible.”

We call on all parties to respect international norms and human rights. We urge the parties to act with restraint to calm the situation and to prioritise the well-being of the Venezuelan people by all means.

This article will be further updated.