United Nations Human Rights Council
58th Regular Session
Agenda Item 4
Oral statement of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in the Oral Update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the situation in Venezuela
Mister President,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes the critical work of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, well reflected in its report to the Council.
The ICJ condemns the recent steps taken by Venezuela’s authorities to implement the “Law on Control, Regularization, Action and Financing of Non-Governmental Organizations and Non-Profit Social Organizations”. The measures taken are but the latest in a series of attack against independent civil society organizations. CSOs undertaking human rights work are subject to arbitrary and abusive obligations that significantly hinder their work, and may result in cancelation of their registration.
The ICJ welcomes the release of some persons who had been arbitrarily detained, many after the presidential elections of July 2024. However, our research shows that most of these persons continue to be subjected to intrusive precautionary control measures and judicial proceedings without respect for due process rights.
The ICJ calls on the Council to continue and strengthen its work towards accountability for serious human rights violations in Venezuela, including by ensuring effective cooperation between the Office of the High Commissioner, the Fact-Finding Mission, and the UN Special Procedures. The ICJ also calls on the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate with the Council’s mechanisms.
Thank you.
Statement delivered by: Hazel Rosenblum-Sellers, Legal Extern
For more information, contact: Sandra EPAL-RATJEN, Sandra.epal@icj.org
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