HRC57 Interactive dialogue with the fact finding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

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HRC57 - Interactive dialogue with the fact-finding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

20.09.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57^th session

Interactive dialogue with the Fact-finding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

20 September 2024

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the Fact-finding mission for their report. We support your important work, which complements that of the High Commissioner and his Office. We therefore urge Venezuela to cooperate fully with the FFM and all other relevant human rights mechanisms, including by granting them access to the country.

We remain deeply concerned about the human rights' situation, particularly in the aftermath of the presidential elections of 28 July. The EU insists that the Venezuelan authorities end repression, the excessive use of force, and harassment against members of the opposition and civil society, including journalists and human rights defenders.

We are also concerned about the staggering number of arbitrary arrests and the practice of short-term enforced disappearances, and call the authorities to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners.

Human rights violations and abuses must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.

The EU will continue to work with its regional partners to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people expressed at the ballot box is respected and to facilitate a Venezuelan-led dialogue that provides guarantees to both sides and leads to the restoration of democracy and to solve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis.

Ms. Valiñas, what is your reading of the newly adopted NGO legislation?

Thank you.