The ICJ today called on the UN Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Venezuela during an internactive dialogue with this body.
The statement reads as follows:
“Mister President,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes this new report by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM).
The ICJ draws attention to the persistence of widespread serious human rights violations reported by the FFM. This report documents a wide range of gross human rights violations and abuses in the Arco Minero of the Orinoco, including enforced disappearances, human trafficking, threats to human rights defenders, as well as violations and abuses of the rights to health, land and to a healthy environment of women, children and indigenous peoples. Most of these alleged violations occurred with the acquiescence or complicity of local authorities and their superiors.
Due to the lack of effective domestic remedies to ensure accountability, the ICJ urges the Council to renew the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission to ensure documentation of serious human rights violations occurring in the country and to promote international accountability for such violations.
The ICJ also calls on the Council to call on Venezuela to comply with its duty to fully cooperate with the Council´s mechanisms, including the Fact-Finding Mission and the Special procedures, as well as to strengthen the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner in Venezuela to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
Thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949