United Nations Human Rights Council
57th Regular Session
Agenda Item 4
Oral statement of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the situation in Venezuela
19 September 2024
Mister President,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes the ongoing work of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission.
The ICJ strongly condemns the widespread instances of gross human rights violations by State security forces in the country, including arbitrary detentions and alleged unlawful killings particularly following the presidential elections. According to official data more than 2,000 people have been detained. Domestic civil society organizations reported short-term enforced disappearances and other violations. These occur in situations where detainees have been prosecuted by non-independent prosecutors and judges before anti-terrorist tribunals, without fair trial guarantees. Human rights defenders and journalists have been arbitrarily detained, harassed, and had their passports canceled.
We also condemn the use of repressive measures to stop defenders in Venezuela from attending the Council session. We call on Member States to listen to their voices with a view to addressing the ongoing human rights crisis.
The ICJ calls upon the Council to renew and strengthen the mandates of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner as international documentation and accountability is immediately critical. The FFM is crucial to preserving evidence of the truth and memory, as domestic institutions are unable or unwilling to deliver justice for victims of human rights atrocities. The Office of High Commissioner should endeavour to optimize effective protection for human rights defenders in the country.
Thank you.
Statement delivered by: Sandra EPAL-RATJEN, International Advocacy Director
For more information, contact: Sandra EPAL-RATJEN, [email protected]