Human Rights Chief on Venezuela - Media Stakeout (Geneva, 5 July 2019) - EN/ES

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Stakeout following the UN Human Rights Council interactive dialogue on Venezuela. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet spoke to the press after presenting her office's report on Venezuela at Human Rights Council today (5 Jul) in Geneva, which follows her official visit to Venezuela from the 19 to 21 June. The UN Human Rights chief told reporters she was hopeful following the access she was granted when she visited Caracas two weeks ago. She added, "The welcome releases of 62 detainees then, with a further 22 – including journalist Braulio Jatar and Judge Lourdes Afiuni – set free yesterday, and the authorities’ acceptance of two human rights officers in the country, signify the beginning of positive engagement on the country's many human rights issues.” She added, “as our report makes clear, essential institutions and the rule of law in Venezuela have been profoundly eroded. Excessive and lethal force has been used against protesters, as well as during security operations by the Special Action Forces.” Bachelet also said, “torture is also a major problem, as shown by the inexcusable and tragic death of Captain Rafael Acosta Arevalo earlier this week. The Venezuelan people have been enduring an economic breakdown stretching back several years, affecting their fundamental rights to food and health. The latest economic sanctions are further exacerbating this situation, given that most of the country's foreign exchange earnings derive from oil exports.” The UN Human Rights chief reiterated that she hopes the authorities will take the report’s recommendations in the constructive spirit. The publication of this new report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Venezuela, was mandated by the Human Rights Council, in response to longstanding concerns by Member States.