PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

Thank you Mr President.

We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its update, and we welcome the renewal of your crucial mandate.

The work of the Mission remains essential to monitor, document and report serious human rights violations in Venezuela, particularly for vulnerable populations including women, LGBTQ+ people and indigenous communities. There is limited progress on accountability for human rights violations and abuses by Venezuelan authorities. Perpetrators of these abuses continue to walk free with impunity.

Threats and intimidation of human rights defenders continues. In January 2023 alone, 187 attacks were registered against them.

We are also closely monitoring the two proposed bills that would severely limit the civic and democratic space and the activities of civil society in Venezuela.

The upcoming electoral period in the country is critical to the country’s stability and for recovery to a democratic path where all Venezuelans can participate. Guaranteeing the free exercise of the right to association is fundamental to holding free and fair elections.

What is the extent of accountability for human rights abuses and violations that your Mission has documented?

Thank you.