UN Human Rights Office in Venezuela Partially Resumes Operations After Government Shutdown

The United Nations human rights office in Venezuela has partially resumed its activities, according to Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This comes months after President Nicolás Maduro's government expelled the staff, accusing them of aiding coup plotters and terror groups. Türk shared this update during a speech to the 47-nation Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting worsening conditions in Venezuela after the July presidential election.

Concerns Over Election Aftermath

Both President Maduro and the opposition claim victory in the election. Türk expressed concern over excessive force used during protests following the election. "I remain deeply concerned by the disproportionate use of force and violence during post-electoral protests in July and August, including by armed individuals supporting the government," Türk stated. He noted that authorities have detained around 2,000 people since the election, including adolescents, opposition members, journalists, and lawyers.

Türk urged a thorough investigation into over 20 deaths linked to unrest after the July 28 election. The UN office in Caracas was closed in February amid fears of government repression against opponents. This decision followed criticism over the detention of a notable human rights lawyer and her family members.

Government's Stance on UN Office

In 2019, Maduro's administration agreed to collaborate with the high commissioner to set up a technical advisory office locally. However, in February, Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil announced the closure of this office. He claimed it had become "the private law firm of coup plotters and terrorist groups that permanently conspire against the country." No evidence or specific examples were provided to support these claims.

Türk expressed hope for the full reopening of the Caracas office soon. Yet, Ambassador Alexander Yánez, representing Maduro in Geneva, indicated that Türk's criticisms might hinder this process. Yánez remarked that such comments are "self-serving narratives from sectors of the fascist opposition in Venezuela" and compromise "the objectivity and impartiality, the independence, of the work" of the office.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue to assert their positions regarding human rights and political legitimacy in Venezuela. The partial resumption of UN operations may signal a step towards addressing these issues, but challenges persist.