UN Authority Figures

UN Human Rights Council: Venezuela

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The slaying of the 29-year-old protester was part of a crackdown that has spread fear among young protesters in poor neighborhoods of Venezuela.
Source: Yahoo News,February 20, 2019.
Photo: Venezuelan security forces (File photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

Mission of the Human Rights Council:
"The General Assembly...2. Decides that the Council shall be responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner; 3. Decides also that the Council should address situations of violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations thereon..." (Resolution 60/251)

Venezuela's Term of office: 2020-2022

Venezuela's Record on human rights:
"Human rights issues included extrajudicial killings by security forces, including colectivos (government-sponsored armed groups); torture by security forces; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; and political prisoners. The government restricted free expression and the press by routinely blocking signals, and interfering with the operations of, or shutting down, privately owned television, radio, and other media outlets. Libel, incitement, and inaccurate reporting were subject to criminal sanctions. The government used violence to repress peaceful demonstrations. Other issues included restrictions on political participation in the form of presidential elections in May that were not free or fair; pervasive corruption and impunity among all security forces and in other national and state government offices, including at the highest levels; trafficking in persons; and the worst forms of child labor, which the government made minimal efforts to eliminate. The government took no effective action to investigate officials who committed human rights abuses, and there was impunity for such abuses."
(U.S. State Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2018, Venezuela)