HRC59: Growing concerns regarding human rights violations in Venezuela
The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council
16 June - 09 July 2025
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
27 June 2025
By Jennifer Kalushi / GICJ
Executive Summary
During the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council an Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was held on 27 June 2025. The session took place amid ongoing political repression, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and heightened concerns surrounding the July 2024 presidential elections.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, presented a report detailing serious and persistent human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and the criminalisation of civil society. He expressed particular concern over the use of the judiciary as a tool of repression, Venezuela’s limited cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the enforcement of laws restricting non-governmental organisations.
The High Commissioner urged the Venezuelan government to lift disqualifications against opposition candidates ahead of the 2025 presidential elections and to renew the Letter of Understanding that governs OHCHR’s presence in Caracas.
During the dialogue, regional and international actors echoed these concerns, calling for full cooperation from Venezuelan authorities. They demanded the release of political prisoners, the repeal of repressive legislation, and the restoration of civil and political freedoms. Civil society representatives emphasised the growing risks faced by human rights defenders and journalists and strongly advocated for the continued work of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) foregrounded the ongoing pattern of systemic repression and urged the Council to maintain robust oversight through OHCHR and the Fact-Finding Mission. GICJ called on the Venezuelan government to enable international cooperation, restore civic space, and uphold the rule of law and democratic norms.
Background
Shortly after Nicolás Maduro's first election in 2013, a sharp decrease in global oil prices triggered a severe economic crisis in Venezuela. The country entered a prolonged recession marked by hyperinflation, widespread shortages of essential goods, and rampant corruption. Waves of anti-government protests that occurred in 2014 and 2017 were met with violent suppression by state security forces [1].
Between 2014 to 2024, more than 7.7 million Venezuelans [2] fled the country to escape violence, poverty, and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis. The government’s repressive response to these challenges has worsened the situation. Political repression remains widespread: hundreds of political prisoners have been arrested, while the humanitarian emergency shows no signs of resolution. Despite mounting public discontent, Maduro was re-elected in 2018 through a presidential vote that was widely condemned by the international community as illegitimate.
Following the presidential elections of 28 July 2024, Venezuela has experienced a further decline in democratic and human rights standards. President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in an election denounced by the United Nations as neither free nor fair, citing a tightly controlled political environment. Key opposition leaders, such as María Corina Machado, were banned from participating, while dissenting governors and candidates faced arrests and disqualifications. The continuation of anti-government protests has intensified tensions, leading to the arrest of hundreds of individuals by forces aligned with the Maduro regime.
In the post-election period, both state forces and pro-government armed groups have escalated repression. Human rights violations have included extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and the detention of over 900 human rights defenders, journalists, and opposition figures [3]. Enforced disappearances have increasingly been used to silence dissent and instill fear. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan migration crisis continues to worsen. While more than 211,000 Venezuelans have been officially recognised as refugees and over 1 million have sought asylum, the vast majority remain without legal status, limiting their access to basic services across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela (FFM Venezuela)
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council in September 2019 in response to the widespread and systematic human rights violations occurring in the country. Its mandate has been extended multiple times, most recently through HRC resolution 57/36, which prolongs its operation until October 2026 [4].
The Mission is tasked with:
- Investigating violations of international human rights law committed in Venezuela since 2014, particularly: extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence;
- Identifying individuals and institutions responsible, to ensure full accountability for perpetrators;
- Collaborating with regional and international actors, and sharing findings with relevant judicial or accountability bodies, in particular preparing reports to share with the Council during interactive dialogues at its 60th and 63rd sessions;
In recent months, the Mission has placed a particular focus on investigating human rights violations that occurred during and after the 2024 presidential elections.
At the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, the Fact-Finding Mission was cited by both the High Commissioner Volker Türk and multiple states as a critical accountability mechanism. The European Union (EU) and other delegations reaffirmed their support for the Mission’s mandate and urged the Venezuelan government to cooperate fully. The High Commissioner’s report echoed the Mission’s findings, particularly regarding patterns of state repression, arbitrary detention, and the deployment of security forces and intelligence agencies to suppress dissent.
Law on Control, Regularisation, Operation and Financing of NGOs and Nonprofit Organisations
In his report, the High Commissioner expressed concern regarding freedom of association in Venezuela, specifically referring to the Anti-NGO Law. As Mr.Türk highlighted, various organisations have reported facing unlawful demands for fees and additional requirements not included in the legislation during the registration process. Thus, several NGOs had to abandon their operations in the country due to legal obstacles.
In fact, In November 2024, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved the Law on Control [5], Regularisation, Operation and Financing of NGOs and Nonprofit Organisations - commonly referred to as the “Anti-NGO Law”. This legislation marked a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to restrict civic space and suppress independent civil society.
Under the law, all domestic and international NGOs operating in Venezuela must register with a government-controlled body in order to obtain legal recognition. In addition, organisations must submit detailed financial reports disclosing the source of all funding - whether national or international.
Of greater concern are the law’s broad and ambiguously defined restrictions on permissible activities. It prohibits NGOs from engaging in “political actions” including activities that may “threaten national stability”. These vague clauses endow wide discretionary authority to investigate, fine, suspend or dissolve any organisation deemed political sensitive.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that the law poses a serious threat to democratic and civic space in Venezuela. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela described it as a dangerous instrument of repression. More than 500 civil society organisations from within and outside Venezuela condemned the legislation, warning that it criminalises human rights work and humanitarian assistance and renders the continued operation of many NGOs legally and financially untenable.
Summary of the Interactive Dialogue
Opening Statement by the High Commissioner
The Interactive Dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was opened by the oral update of High Commissioner Volker Türk, followed by interventions from member states, regional blocs, and civil society organizations. Mr. Türk presented the findings of his Office’s latest report, assessing the overall human rights situation in the country.
The High Commissioner emphasised the ongoing presence of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and violations of due process. In particular, he expressed concern over the detention of opposition figures, human rights defenders, and journalists, many of whom have been held incommunicado and denied legal counsel. The High Commissioner further emphasised that the Venezuelan justice system persists in functioning as a mechanism of repression rather than protection, and he expressed concern regarding the diminishing space for civil society. The enactment of repressive legislation targeting non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the "anti-NGO" law has resulted in a substantial erosion of the operational autonomy of independent actors.
Mr. Türk further addressed the role of the Office of the High Commissioner in the country, where access to detention facilities remained limited. Also, during the dialogue, the renewal of the agreement between OHCHR and the Venezuelan government, known as the Letter of Understanding regulating OHCHR’s presence in Caracas, was still being negotiated. The High Commissioner called for the full return of staff and expanded freedom to operate. Furthermore, he drew attention to the upcoming presidential elections in July 2025, urging Venezuelan authorities to lift political disqualifications of opposition candidates and ensure that all Venezuelans can participate in free and fair elections, in order to restore the restricted civic space.
Statement of the Concerned Country
The representative of Venezuela denounced the report and the mandate on Venezuela as a political instrument ordered by the USA and its allies to attack the regime in the country. He denounced the report and the meeting as selective and biased, considering that no mention was made of the alleged episodes of violence led by the opposition on 28 July 2024.
The delegatethen criticised the High Commissioner and his office for having reacted with more than fifty days of delay to the unauthorised detention of Venezuelan migrants in El Salvador, who were sent there by the US authorities. He denounced what he described as a clear stance of double standards in the protection of human rights when compared to the diligence and promptness the OHCHR shows when dealing with Venezuelan internal problems.
The representative then concluded his statement by urging the Council to stop serving the political interests of certain countries, who are, in Venezuela’s view, undermining the credibility of the institution as a whole. He highlighted how Venezuela receives constant monitoring whereas the genocide in Gaza or the tragedy faced by migrants in the Mediterranean Sea or in the United States are often overlooked.
Countries and Groups Statements
Among regional actors, the European Union delivered a strong statement of concern, describing Venezuela's human rights crisis as severe and protracted. The EU expressed its full support for the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, referring to both as essential mechanisms for accountability. The delegation called upon the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate fully with UN mechanisms and to lift all restrictions on civic space, including the reversal of the so-called "anti-NGO" law, which imposes severe constraints on independent organisations and civil society. The EU made an urgent plea for the immediate release of political prisoners and expressed support for a democratic and peaceful resolution that is to be led by Venezuela itself.
The representative of Argentina, Mr. Carlos Foradori, reaffirmed his country’s longstanding commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Venezuela, expressing deep concern over the continued human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, repression of civil society, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Argentina also highlighted the necessity for Venezuela to fully cooperate with the United Nations, particularly in facilitating the return of OHCHR staff, necessary for the effective monitoring and reporting of human rights conditions.
The representative of the United Kingdom, Ms. Eleonor Sanders, delivered one of the strongest condemnations, reporting that over 900 individuals remain imprisoned for political reasons. Many are subjected to ill-treatment, held without trial or access to legal counsel, and detained under fabricated charges. The UK echoed the High Commissioner’s concern about the instrumentalisation of the judiciary, while also pushing for the restoration of full OHCHR presence in the country.
The delegate of Chile, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio, voiced deep concern over the lack of progress in implementing the announced renewal of cooperation between Venezuela and the OHCHR. Despite earlier commitments, the absence of an operational OHCHR presence in the country and the inability to carry out its mandate effectively suggest a lack of genuine political will to engage. Chile also expressed alarm over the increasing criminalisation of civil society, particularly through the use of restrictive legal frameworks. The delegation urged Venezuelan authorities to take concrete steps toward restoring the OHCHR office and ensuring access for international human rights mechanisms.
The delegate of New Zealand, Ms. Charlotte Hargest-Slade, expressed strong support for the High Commissioner’s report and underscored its alarming findings, noting that the human rights situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. The delegation highlighted that repression and violence have contributed to a deepening humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 20 million Venezuelans living in poverty and 14 million in need of humanitarian assistance. New Zealand also drew attention to the intensifying restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the continued occurrence of enforced disappearances. It called for a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the crisis, urging Venezuelan authorities to end the repression and to restore full operational capacity to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
While the majority of delegations expressed grave concern over the worsening human rights situation in Venezuela, a number of states offered a different perspective, emphasizing sovereignty and non-interference.
The representative of the Russian Federation, Mr. Andrei Bashilov, acknowledged progress made by Venezuela despite the considerable strain placed on the country’s leadership, which has had to allocate significant resources to stabilising the socio-economic situation in the face of what it described as illegal and unilateral measures imposed by Western states. Russia encouraged the United Nations human rights mechanisms and the OHCHR to increase their support to Venezuela. It emphasised the importance of recognising the country’s achievements in order to foster constructive dialogue and continued engagement.
The delegate of China, Mr. Ouyang Ruize, took note of the High Commissioner’s report but expressed concern that it did not sufficiently reflect official information provided by the Venezuelan government. China reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and the norms governing international relations, stating its opposition to unilateral measures and external interference in Venezuela’s domestic affairs. The delegation acknowledged Venezuela’s progress and its cooperation with the OHCHR, and called for respect for the country’s sovereignty.
Statements by NGOs and Civil Society
A multitude of civil society actors contributed to the discussion with statements that highlighted the critical legal and human rights conditions in Venezuela. They highlighted the escalation of short-term enforced disappearances, with a particular concern for legal professionals and human rights defenders. Activists are frequently criminalised and portrayed as enemies of the state, and NGOs face immense operational hurdles due to repressive laws. They mentioned a number of recent disappearances, including that of Rocío San Miguel and Edouardo Torres, representative of a pattern of intimidation and coercion on the part of the government. Thus, civil society has called for the immediate release of the detained and the restoration of legal protections for lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders. Most of them also underscored the importance of continuing the work of the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela and called on the Human Rights Council to ensure regular oral updates on the situation.
Concluding remarks
The dialogue underscored widespread concern over Venezuela’s deteriorating human rights situation, advocating for increased coordination among UN mechanisms and greater pressure on Venezuelan authorities to comply with international legal obligations. At the same time, differing positions highlighted the geopolitical tensions shaping the Council’s deliberations, with some states calling for constructive engagement and the defense of national sovereignty.
The High Commissioner’s report, echoed by numerous delegations, reaffirmed the critical role played by the OHCHR and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission in documenting violations and advancing accountability. Many interventions stressed the need for Venezuela to restore full cooperation with these mechanisms, particularly by facilitating the return of OHCHR staff and ensuring access to detention centres and affected communities.
The discussion also reflected growing international alarm over shrinking civic space and the criminalisation of civil society. Several states and NGOs expressed particular concern over the implementation of restrictive legislation such as the “anti-NGO law,” warning that it severely impairs the ability of independent actors to operate freely.
Ultimately, the interactive dialogue highlighted both the urgency of sustained international engagement and the need for national reforms. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely in anticipation of Venezuela’s upcoming electoral cycle and any shifts in its cooperation with the UN human rights system.
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) expresses deep concern over the ongoing and systematic human rights violations in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The Interactive Dialogue at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council highlights the urgent need for international attention to the deterioration of civic space, judicial independence, and the targeting of civil society.
GICJ is alarmed by the increasing use of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and politically motivated prosecutions, particularly against journalists, human rights defenders, and legal professionals.
We encourage the Human Rights Council to maintain close engagement on the situation in Venezuela, including through the valuable work of the Office of the High Commissioner. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to strengthen their cooperation and facilitate the return of OHCHR staff.
Sources
[2] World Report 2024: Venezuela | Human Rights Watch
[3] Venezuela Crisis: Aid, Statistics and News | USA for UNHCR
[4] Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela | OHCHR
