UN and IACHR experts have condemned the rising use of forced disappearances in Venezuela targeting activists and opposition members. They emphasize the need for the government to reveal the whereabouts of the disappeared and to ensure their safety. Reports indicate that officials are implicated in this systematic violation of human rights, amid an electoral context rife with allegations of fraud.
Recent statements from experts affiliated with the United Nations and the Inter-American Human Rights system have condemned the rise in forced disappearances of activists in Venezuela. They have urged the government to reveal the whereabouts of those affected and ensure their safety, emphasizing that forced disappearances have become a tool for silencing opposition and instilling fear within society.
Reports have emerged from family members, lawyers, and civil society groups, indicating that efforts to locate missing individuals often go unanswered, with complaints and habeas corpus petitions frequently ignored. In light of the inefficacy of national institutions, victims are increasingly seeking recourse through international channels to uncover information about their loved ones and seek justice.
The UN Working Group on Forced or Involuntary Disappearances, chaired by Gabriella Citroni, has remained vigilant regarding the situation in Venezuela. Their concerns are amplified by reports of forced disappearances linked to the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for July 2024 and the subsequent inauguration in January 2025.
Recent electoral developments illustrate deep concerns regarding transparency, particularly with the declaration of Nicolás Maduro as the electoral winner amidst allegations of vote tally manipulation. The lack of published regional results has fueled suspicions that the opposition candidate, Edmundo González, may have actually won the election, leading to widespread protests that were brutally suppressed, resulting in numerous casualties and arrests.
Though protests have diminished, government authorities have continued to conduct selective arrests of political leaders and activists, intensifying the atmosphere of fear. Human rights group Foro Penal reports over 1,060 political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela.
The UN and IACHR experts have pointed to the prevailing climate of intimidation, exacerbated by widespread impunity, which leads to the ongoing use of enforced disappearances. They warned that these actions violate fundamental human rights and urged the Venezuelan state to cooperate with international demands for accountability regarding the treatment of dissenting individuals.
To address these issues, the experts insisted that it is crucial to uphold the legal rights of detainees, ensuring they have access to legal counsel and family communication. Furthermore, any detainee, including foreign nationals, should be granted the opportunity to engage with legal representatives and contact their consular authorities as mandated by international law.
The increasing occurrence of forced disappearances and the systematic violation of human rights in Venezuela demand immediate attention from both national and international bodies. The call for transparency and accountability is critical in addressing these grave injustices, underscoring the need for profound reform to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, particularly those opposing the current regime.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
