UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement on Venezuela
The UK's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement on behalf of the UK during the Interactive Dialogue with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Venezuela.
Thank you, Mr President.
Thank you, High Commissioner, for your report. Your Office and the Fact Finding Mission continue to do invaluable work in Venezuela. Let me urge our fellow members of this Council to support the renewal of both mandates.
We remain concerned by continued restrictions on civic space in Venezuela. Human rights defenders, activists and journalists are subject to persecution. Civil society faces threats from the authorities, harassment, and regulatory and administrative restrictions. It has expressed strong concerns around the mooted law on international cooperation which would give authorities further control over its funding and activities.
Permítanme hacer un llamamiento a Venezuela para que defienda los derechos a la libertad de reunión, a la libertad de asociación y a la libertad de expresión de acuerdo con la Constitución. [English translation: Let me call on Venezuela to defend the rights to freedom of association and freedom of expression in accordance with the Constitution.]
Slight signs of economic improvement have, sadly, not translated into better living conditions for most Venezuelans. The humanitarian situation is still pressing. We urge Venezuela to allow unhindered distribution of humanitarian assistance to those in need.
High Commissioner,
What advice would you give to your successor to ensure that the memorandum of understanding between your Office and Venezuela is faithfully implemented?
Thank you.