Venezuela orders U.N. office on human rights to close and its staff to leave in 3 days
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Venezuela orders U.N. office on human rights to close and its staff to leave in 3 days

LA Times  

A U.N. and Venezuelan flag hang outside the building that houses the Technical Advisory Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Caracas, Venezuela. Gil said the local technical advisory office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, authorized in 2019, was supposed “to improve, to optimize,” human rights. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, based in Geneva, Switzerland, said the agency regretted Venezuela’s decision and is evaluating next steps. Gil told reporters that President Nicolás Maduro agreed to cooperate with the high commissioner in September 2019 to establish the local technical advisory office in Caracas to “show the world the advances in human rights in Venezuela.” He said the office had 13 staff members as of Thursday.

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History of this topic

UN human rights office in Venezuela partially resumes work months after government shut it down
3 weeks, 6 days ago

UN human rights office in Venezuela partially resumes work months after government shut it down

Associated Press  

CARACAS, Venezuela — The U.N. office on human rights in Venezuela partially resumed operations in recent weeks, the agency’s chief said Friday, months after the government of President Nicolás Maduro expelled its staff for allegedly helping coup plotters and terror groups. “I’m very concerned that many of these people were arbitrarily detained, including adolescents and young adults, members of the …

UN human rights office resumes activities in Venezuela despite Maduro clash
4 weeks ago

UN human rights office resumes activities in Venezuela despite Maduro clash

Al Jazeera  

Commissioner Volker Turk reiterated he is ‘deeply concerned’ about the violence following Venezuela’s contested election. In a statement at the time, Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil Pinto accused the UN human rights office of becoming a “colonialist” and “improper” presence in the country, stirring up unrest. Shortly before the human rights office in Venezuela was ordered to be closed, …

UN human rights watchdog opens investigation into Venezuela presidential election
1 month ago

UN human rights watchdog opens investigation into Venezuela presidential election

Associated Press  

MIAMI — The top United Nations human rights watchdog on Tuesday ordered Venezuela to avoid destroying tally sheets and other electoral material as it investigates allegations that President Nicolás Maduro stole this summer’s election. The U.N. Human Rights Council announced the opening of the probe in a letter to several Latin American jurists who in October petitioned the U.N. agency …

UN chief speaks to Maduro about 'rights violations' in Venezuela
3 months, 2 weeks ago

UN chief speaks to Maduro about 'rights violations' in Venezuela

The Hindu  

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern Friday to President Nicolas Maduro about alleged human rights violations in Venezuela, in their first telephone conversation since the disputed July 28 Presidential election. The men discussed the precarious political situation in the South American nation, and Mr. Guterres "expressed concern over reports of post-elections violence and allegations of human rights violations," the …

U.N. experts decry worsening repression in Venezuela after contested election
3 months, 3 weeks ago

U.N. experts decry worsening repression in Venezuela after contested election

LA Times  

Protesters clash with police during demonstrations against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro’s reelection the day after the vote in Caracas, Venezuela, in July. Independent U.N. human rights experts said in a new report Tuesday that their findings show Venezuela’s government has intensified the use of the “harshest and most violent” tools of repression after the disputed July …

UN rights chief concerned about arbitrary detentions and excessive force in Venezuela's crackdown
4 months, 3 weeks ago

UN rights chief concerned about arbitrary detentions and excessive force in Venezuela's crackdown

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

UN expert panel sent to Venezuela blasts lack of transparency in presidential elections
4 months, 3 weeks ago

UN expert panel sent to Venezuela blasts lack of transparency in presidential elections

Associated Press  

MIAMI — A panel of experts from the United Nations said Venezuela’s recent presidential elections lacked “basic transparency and integrity,” adding an important voice to those who have cast doubt on President Nicolás Maduro’s claim he won the contest. While the U.N. group praised the logistic organization of the voting, it harshly criticized the National Electoral Council, or CNE, for …

Takeaways from AP report on fear of repression in post-election Venezuela
5 months ago

Takeaways from AP report on fear of repression in post-election Venezuela

Associated Press  

CARACAS, Venezuela — The last time anyone heard from Edni López was Sunday. A protester scuffles with police during demonstrations against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro’s reelection, the day after the vote in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, July 29, 2024. “There’s a sense that police have a quota to fill and anyone can be stopped and carted away …

Venezuela’s government and opposition double down on positions about arrest of human rights attorney
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Venezuela’s government and opposition double down on positions about arrest of human rights attorney

Associated Press  

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s government and opposition on Wednesday doubled down on their respective defense and condemnation of the detention of a prominent human rights attorney, evidencing once more their vastly different interpretations of an agreement to work on conditions for a free and fair presidential election this year. But while Attorney General Tarek William Saab showed the nation maps, …

Venezuela orders UN human rights office to close, accusing it of anti-government activity
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Venezuela orders UN human rights office to close, accusing it of anti-government activity

Associated Press  

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s government on Thursday ordered the local United Nations office on human rights to suspend operations and gave its staff 72 hours to leave, accusing it of assisting coup plotters and terrorist groups. Gil said the local technical advisory office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, authorized in 2019, was supposed “to improve, to optimize,” …

Venezuela orders suspension of UN rights office, gives staff days to leave
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Venezuela orders suspension of UN rights office, gives staff days to leave

Al Jazeera  

Earlier this week the UN agency expressed ‘deep concern’ over the detention of prominent rights activist, Rocio San Miguel. He said the office – the local technical advisory office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – had been used by the international community “to maintain a discourse” against Venezuela. The move came two days after the UN agency …

As foreign minister speaks at UN blocks away, Venezuelan asylum-seekers strain New York City
1 year, 3 months ago

As foreign minister speaks at UN blocks away, Venezuelan asylum-seekers strain New York City

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Ysamar López stood beneath the old hotel’s canopy, exploring New York City’s unfamiliar streets on Google Maps and making a plan to set out into the rain. “But we’re OK, we’re doing OK.” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil’s speech Saturday comes only days after a U.N.-backed panel investigating human rights violations in Venezuela reported that the South …

UN rights experts report a rise of efforts in Venezuela to squelch democracy ahead of 2024 election
1 year, 3 months ago

UN rights experts report a rise of efforts in Venezuela to squelch democracy ahead of 2024 election

Associated Press  

GENEVA — A U.N.-backed panel investigating human rights violations in Venezuela said Wednesday the South American country’s government has intensified efforts to curtail democratic freedoms with threats, surveillance and harassment as President Nicolás Maduro faces a re-election contest next year. Tappatá Valdez said the lack of independence of government institutions and the concerted efforts of some them, including the Comptroller …

Efforts to squelch democracy in Venezuela are increasing, U.N. rights experts say
1 year, 3 months ago

Efforts to squelch democracy in Venezuela are increasing, U.N. rights experts say

LA Times  

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, shown at the presidential palace in Caracas last month, is up for reelection next year. A U.N.-backed panel investigating human rights violations in Venezuela said Wednesday that the South American country’s government has intensified efforts to curtail democratic freedoms with threats, surveillance and harassment as President Nicolás Maduro faces a reelection contest next year. Tappatá Valdez …

UN says Nicaragua’s human rights violations and persecution of dissidents are on the rise
1 year, 3 months ago

UN says Nicaragua’s human rights violations and persecution of dissidents are on the rise

Associated Press  

MEXICO CITY — Nicaragua has increased human rights violations and persecution of the opposition as it ratchets up its efforts to stifle dissent, a United Nations group of experts monitoring the country said Tuesday. The Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, that the government continues increasing pressure on human rights …

ICC to continue investigation of human rights abuses in Venezuela
1 year, 6 months ago

ICC to continue investigation of human rights abuses in Venezuela

Al Jazeera  

ICC has ruled that efforts within Venezuela to hold officials accountable for alleged abuses have fallen short. The International Criminal Court has ruled that its prosecutors can resume an investigation into alleged human rights abuses in the South American country of Venezuela. “The Chamber concluded that, whilst Venezuela is taking some investigative steps, its domestic criminal proceedings do not sufficiently …

Venezuela, SKorea, Afghanistan lose vote for UN rights body
2 years, 2 months ago

Venezuela, SKorea, Afghanistan lose vote for UN rights body

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — Venezuela, South Korea and Afghanistan lost contested races for seats on the top U.N. human rights body in Tuesday by the General Assembly, which faced criticism for electing countries like Vietnam and Sudan, which have been accused of having abysmal human rights records. Human rights groups have long criticized this practice, saying it denies U.N. member nations …

Rights activists hail Venezuela’s departure from UN Human Rights Council
2 years, 2 months ago

Rights activists hail Venezuela’s departure from UN Human Rights Council

CNN  

CNN — Venezuela has lost its seat on the United Nations Council of Human Rights — a development hailed on Tuesday by activists and human rights defenders in Venezuela as cause for celebration. The Council, a 47-member multilateral body, is tasked with promoting human rights and addressing abuses around the world, though it has come under criticism for allowing the …

UN renews mandate for human rights mission in Venezuela
2 years, 3 months ago

UN renews mandate for human rights mission in Venezuela

Al Jazeera  

Human rights groups welcome two-year extension of UN mission, which Caracas condemns as ‘designed for interventionism’. The United Nations Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of its fact-finding mission in Venezuela, an initiative Caracas considers an aggressive tool for interfering in domestic matters. Venezuela is a “democratic and social state, based on the rule of law and justice, which …

Venezuela rejects UN report detailing torture, rights abuses
2 years, 3 months ago

Venezuela rejects UN report detailing torture, rights abuses

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Venezuela's government on Monday rejected …

Venezuela rejects U.N. report detailing torture and human rights abuses
2 years, 3 months ago

Venezuela rejects U.N. report detailing torture and human rights abuses

LA Times  

Venezuela’s National Intelligence Service headquarters, known as El Helicoide, stands in front of the La Cota 905 neighborhood in Caracas. Venezuela’s government on Monday rejected a report by independent experts working with the United Nations’ top human rights body who alleged President Nicolas Maduro had personally ordered the detention of government opponents, who endured electric shocks, asphyxiation and other cruel …

Venezuela uses crimes against humanity to repress dissent: U.N. probe
2 years, 3 months ago

Venezuela uses crimes against humanity to repress dissent: U.N. probe

The Hindu  

Venezuela's intelligence agencies are committing crimes against humanity as part of a plan orchestrated at the highest level of government to repress dissent, U.N. experts said on Tuesday. "This plan was orchestrated at the highest political level, led by President Nicolas Maduro and supported by other senior authorities," Marta Valinas, chair of the UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, …

UN experts: Rights abuses continue in Maduro’s Venezuela
2 years, 3 months ago

UN experts: Rights abuses continue in Maduro’s Venezuela

Associated Press  

CARACAS, Venezuela — Independent experts working with the U.N.’s top human rights body say Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro personally ordered the detention of government opponents and critics who ended up suffering electric shocks, beatings, asphyxiation and other cruel acts while in custody. The third report from the fact-finding mission on Venezuela, commissioned by the U.N.‘s Human Rights Council, was released …

UN rights chief warns of ‘unprecedented’ exodus from Nicaragua
2 years, 6 months ago

UN rights chief warns of ‘unprecedented’ exodus from Nicaragua

Al Jazeera  

Michelle Bachelet says ‘sociopolitical, economic and human rights crises’ are driving thousands out of the country. The United Nations human rights chief has warned that “sociopolitical, economic and human rights crises” in Nicaragua are forcing thousands to leave their homes, in a wave of migration that is growing in “unprecedented numbers”. At a Human Rights Council hearing on Thursday in …

Report: Venezuela security forces continue killings, torture
3 years, 6 months ago

Report: Venezuela security forces continue killings, torture

Associated Press  

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan security forces carried out fewer extra-judicial killings in the 12 months through April, a U.N. report said Monday, but it accuses them of a continued pattern of torture or cruel treatment of individuals as well as enforced disappearances and incommunicado detentions. The report from U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the government of President …

Experts cite ‘crimes against humanity’ in Maduro’s Venezuela
4 years, 3 months ago

Experts cite ‘crimes against humanity’ in Maduro’s Venezuela

LA Times  

Independent experts for the United Nations’ top human rights body accused the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday of crimes against humanity. The experts — Marta Valinas of Portugal, Francisco Cox Vial of Chile and Paul Seils of Britain — worked under a fact-finding mission that the 47-nation Human Rights Council, the U.N.’s top human rights agency, set …

Venezuela blocks human rights investigators from boarding flight to Caracas; commission member calls it govt’s ‘attempt to hide abuses’
4 years, 11 months ago

Venezuela blocks human rights investigators from boarding flight to Caracas; commission member calls it govt’s ‘attempt to hide abuses’

Firstpost  

An international human rights commission criticised the government of President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday for blocking its members from boarding a plane for Venezuela, where they planned to investigate alleged abuses Caracas: An international human rights commission criticised the government of President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday for blocking its members from boarding a plane for Venezuela, where they planned to …

UN launches probe into killings, alleged torture in Venezuela
5 years, 3 months ago

UN launches probe into killings, alleged torture in Venezuela

Al Jazeera  

The United Nations Human Rights Council agreed on Friday to set up an international fact-finding mission to document violations in Venezuela, including alleged torture and thousands of summary executions. Venezuela’s ambassador Jorge Valero rejected the “hostile resolution” – brought by countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru which are hosting millions of Venezuela’s migrants and refugees – as being …

UN report: Venezuela death squads kill young men, stage scenes
5 years, 6 months ago

UN report: Venezuela death squads kill young men, stage scenes

Al Jazeera  

Venezuelan security forces are sending death squads to murder young men and stage the scenes to make it look like the victims resisted arrest, a new UN report said. The report, issued on Thursday by United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, decried a “shockingly high” number of extrajudicial killings. The UN also released a written response to its findings …

UN human rights chief says US sanctions have worsened Venezuela crisis, criticises Maduro for violating civil and political rights
5 years, 10 months ago

UN human rights chief says US sanctions have worsened Venezuela crisis, criticises Maduro for violating civil and political rights

Firstpost  

Sanctions have “exacerbated” the crisis in Venezuela, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said after the United States warned it may expand the measures it has imposed targeting President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Geneva: Sanctions have “exacerbated” the crisis in Venezuela, the UN human rights chief said on Wednesday after the United States warned it may expand the measures it has …

Venezuela protests: At least 40 people dead
5 years, 11 months ago

Venezuela protests: At least 40 people dead

CNN  

CNN — The United Nations Human Rights Office says at least 40 Venezuelans have died in recent protests over the power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and self-appointed interim president Juan Guaidó. Earlier on Tuesday, the United Nations Human Rights Council said 850 people have been detained since January 23, the day Guaidó declared himself president amid anti-government protests. On …

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