The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
15 June - 7 July 2026
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner report on Venezuela
26 and 29 June 2026
Interactive Dialogue on the Comprehensive Report of the High Commissioner on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
By Alicja Lanocha / GICJ
Executive Summary
An interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was held on 26 and 29 June 2026 during the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council. It examined the report by Mr. Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, providing an opportunity to assess the recent developments and outline priorities for future action. The report elaborated on issues pertaining to the rule of law, accountability, arbitrary detentions, civic space, and economic, social, and cultural rights in Venezuela. The meeting took place just after the devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, with most delegations expressing solidarity with the victims and calling for increased humanitarian assistance.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged the recent positive developments. It includes the release of more than 1,100 arbitrarily detained persons, the adoption of the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence, and the gradual resumption of cooperation between Venezuelan authorities and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). However, he stressed that they represent only initial steps. Mr. Türk cautioned that the institutional structures enabling human rights violations remain largely intact, highlighting the persistent social and economic challenges. He called for comprehensive judicial and security sector reforms, greater transparency and accountability for past abuses, unrestricted access to detention facilities, and stronger protection of civic freedoms.
During the interactive dialogue, a majority of Member States welcomed recent positive developments. Namely, the resumption of cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the release of some detainees. At the same time, they called for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining arbitrarily detained persons, unrestricted access to detention facilities, judicial and security sector reform, accountability for human rights violations, and stronger protection of civic space and fundamental freedoms. Other delegations condemned the recent military intervention, emphasising the importance of non-interference and sovereignty. They called for continued technical cooperation and the lifting of unilateral sanctions.
Overall, the interactive dialogue highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing Venezuela. Recent advancements in the human rights situation were viewed as encouraging. However, everyone stressed that progress is only the beginning of a longer process rather than the evidence of meaningful and lasting improvements in Venezuela.
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