Amidst escalating tensions, the Venezuelan government, under the leadership of Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil, has issued a directive for the immediate suspension of operations and the expulsion of staff from the local U.N. human rights office.
This decision, announced during a press conference held in the capital city of Caracas, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Venezuela and the international community.
The government has justified its actions by accusing the U.N. office of engaging in activities that undermine the sovereignty and stability of the South American nation. Specifically, authorities have alleged that the office has been actively promoting opposition movements and disseminating anti-government propaganda, posing a threat to national security.
Detention of Human rights lawyer at Venezuela
The closure order for the U.N. human rights office comes on the heels of the recent detention of prominent human rights lawyer Rocio San Miguel, a development that has triggered widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
San Miguel was arrested at the Caracas airport while attempting to board a flight to Miami, along with several members of her family. The government’s actions against San Miguel and her associates have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and advocacy groups, who view the arrests as part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices and political opposition in Venezuela.
The detention of San Miguel has become a rallying point for activists, who are calling for her immediate release and demanding that the government should respect the rule of law and due process.
Concerns over due process
San Miguel’s detention has raised serious concerns about due process and human rights violations in Venezuela. Despite being taken into custody several days ago, authorities only acknowledged her detention after facing significant public pressure and scrutiny.
San Miguel’s lawyer has been denied access to her, and she is reportedly being held at the Helicoide prison, a facility notorious for its harsh treatment of political prisoners.
The lack of transparency surrounding her detention and the apparent disregard for her legal rights have further worsened tensions and drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations.
There are growing calls for Venezuelan authorities to uphold the principles of due process and to ensure that San Miguel’s rights are respected while she is in custody.
Urge for Action
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, based in Geneva, Switzerland, has expressed deep alarm over the detention of Rocio San Miguel and the Venezuelan government’s decision to close the local U.N. human rights office.
In a statement issued in response to these developments, the U.N. agency emphasized the urgent need for action to address the violations of human rights and the erosion of democratic norms in Venezuela. The agency called on Venezuelan authorities to release San Miguel immediately and to ensure that she is granted access to legal representation and due process.
Additionally, the U.N. High Commissioner highlighted the importance of upholding human rights standards and respecting the rule of law in Venezuela, stressing the need for accountability and transparency in addressing human rights abuses.
The closure of the U.N. human rights office and the detention of Rocio San Miguel represent troubling developments in Venezuela’s ongoing human rights crisis. These actions have sparked international condemnation and raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
On the other side, UN is also taking every possible initiative to end the conflict in countries like Sudan.
As calls for accountability and justice grow louder, it is necessary that Venezuelan authorities uphold their obligations under international law and respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.
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