The High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for an end to torture and freedom of arbitrary detention in Venezuela

This content was published on Jan 28, 2023 – 19:56
January 28, 2023 – 19:56

(AFP)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, encouraged Venezuelan authorities on Saturday to release all those arbitrarily detained and take action to end torture, after a two-day visit to the country.

“I have asked for the release of all those arbitrarily detained,” Türk announced in English from Maiquetia International Airport, which serves Caracas, minutes before leaving the country.

The High Commissioner arrived in Venezuela on Thursday for meetings with authorities of President Nicolás Maduro’s administration and civil society groups, at the invitation of the government.

He said, “I was promised to deal with complaints of torture (…) and to investigate and prosecute those responsible. I encouraged the authorities to take decisive action to put an end to torture once and for all.” He said he had heard the stories of some of the victims.

Non-governmental organizations and civil society groups have repeatedly denounced the “systematic violations” of human rights in Venezuela, especially by state security forces. Türk noted that “extrajudicial” executions continued and “people are in shock”.

However, he stressed that the government was willing to continue working towards “improving the justice system” and praised Maduro’s public willingness to do so.

“I am confident that we will soon have unfettered access to all detention centers in the country,” he said.

The UN High Commissioner has been working in Venezuela since 2019, representing a commission set up by Türk’s predecessor, Michelle Bachelet, in order to monitor and provide assistance to the human rights situation after a wave of complaints from victims.

Before leaving office, Bachelet said she saw progress on human rights, but that there was still “more” to do.

Türk indicated that his office will continue to operate and provide technical assistance for another two years in the country.

The High Commissioner also encouraged the authorities to take into account the “importance of ensuring civic space” following the recent proposal for a law aimed at regulating the work of NGOs.

“I was able to share our observations and concerns (…) and requested a broad consultation process on the law,” he said.