PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – UK explanation of vote on Venezuela [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2022.

Ambassador Simon Manley, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered an explanation of vote on the resolution to renew the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Venezuela.

Thank you, Mr President,

Let me thank, first of all, the core group for presenting this draft resolution. We fully support the renewal of the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Both have done a remarkable job in revealing the extent of human rights violations committed in Venezuela and providing recommendations for the steps that need to be taken.

The Fact-Finding Mission’s findings show why it is so important that it should continue its work. These include evidence of grave human rights violations taking place as part of a widespread and systematic attack by the authorities on the civilian population. In the absence of official data from Venezuela, the Fact-Finding Mission’s independent and evidence-based reports provide crucial documentation of events that deserve the attention of all of us on this Council.

We also welcome the renewal of OHCHR’s mandate. Its presence and the protection services it offers have been critical for victims and detainees. The Office plays a key role in indicating the extent of cooperation from the Venezuelan authorities and in tracking developments in the human rights situation in the country. We are in no doubt that its work in Venezuela greatly helps all of us in the international community to monitor continuing violations as well as positive developments.

We do urge Venezuela to comply with the OHCHR’s previous recommendations in full; to continue technical cooperation in good faith; and to provide the OHCHR with unfettered access to the whole country.

Mr President, we call on this Council to stand up for freedom and in solidarity with the people of Venezuela. Renewal of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner’s mandates will provide continuity, scrutiny and accountability, and a path towards a freer future for the people of Venezuela.

We will therefore vote in favour of the draft resolution before this Council and we urge our fellow members of this Council to do the same.