A joint statement by thirty-one countries expressed serious concerns regarding the electoral process and human rights abuses in Venezuela. Recognizing the participation of over 12 million voters in the July 28 election, the statement calls for transparency, an end to repression, and constructive dialogue among political leaders to restore democratic institutions.
In a joint statement issued by thirty-one countries on the margins of the UN General Assembly, serious concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in Venezuela were articulated. The collective praised the participation of over 12 million Venezuelans in the recent presidential election on July 28, affirming that their electoral choice should be respected. However, two months post-election, calls for transparency remain ignored as international observers report significant issues with the electoral integrity, notably the lack of detailed results from the National Electoral Commission.
The statement expressed grave apprehensions about ongoing human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation of opposition members, and violations of fair trial guarantees. Such repression has led to a politically motivated judicial process that forced prominent presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia to flee the country. The countries called for the immediate release of those detained without due process and for guarantees enabling peaceful political expression and assembly.
Furthermore, the nations demanded the return of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Venezuela, equipped to fulfill its mandate. They urged the Venezuelan government to uphold its international commitments, particularly concerning the asylum rights of individuals currently seeking refuge. The statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue among Venezuelan leaders to facilitate a peaceful resolution to political tensions, underscoring the need to restore democratic institutions in alignment with the will of the citizens as expressed during the July election.
The joint statement regarding Venezuela was issued by a coalition of thirty-one countries during the UN General Assembly, reflecting a united position on the socio-political crisis in Venezuela. The situation has escalated following the recent presidential election, where widespread international scrutiny raised significant concerns about the electoral process and subsequent human rights violations. The statement represents a collective push for accountability and reinvigoration of democratic norms in Venezuela amidst ongoing repression and turmoil.
The collective statement reflects an urgent call for respecting human rights and upholding democratic principles in Venezuela. It highlights the Venezuelan populace’s recent electoral participation as a testament to their commitment to democracy while concurrently denouncing the government’s actions that undermine electoral integrity and human rights. The emphasis on dialogue and the need for international oversight are critical for establishing peace and order in Venezuela.
Original Source: cl.usembassy.gov
