Interactive Dialogue with OHCHR on Venezuela

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

Human Rights Council – 52nd Session

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, High Commissioner Türk, for your work in Venezuela.

We continue to support a peaceful and lasting solution to this crisis, which can best be achieved through Venezuelan-led, comprehensive negotiations that lead to free and fair elections.

We call for the unconditional release of all persons unjustly detained, including wrongfully detained U.S. nationals; continued support for victims of abuses; full respect for the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly; and the right to collective bargaining.

We are deeply concerned about new proposed legislation that would further restrict the ability of civil society, including human rights organizations, to operate in Venezuela. This bill is in line with similar attempts in Russia and Nicaragua to silence and intimidate anyone who expresses dissent.

We seek to end attacks against human rights defenders, trade union leaders, journalists, and the political opposition and their family members.

We remain committed to working with partners and allies to deliver humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

High Commissioner, how can we promote accountability for human rights abuses committed by Maduro and his supporters?

I thank you.

###