The UN and Inter-American Human Rights experts criticized Venezuela’s increased use of forced disappearances targeting activists and opposition members. They urged the government to disclose the whereabouts of those missing and provide protections. A culture of fear, fueled by impunity, has prompted victims to seek international assistance amidst a backdrop of political tension surrounding the upcoming elections.
Experts from the United Nations and Inter-American Human Rights system condemned the rise in forced disappearances of activists in Venezuela. They have called on the government to reveal the whereabouts of these individuals and ensure their safety. These disappearances serve as a tactic to intimidate and silence members of the opposition and pro-democracy advocates.
The experts emphasized reports from families and civil society organizations that indicate a failure of national institutions to process legal complaints regarding disappearances. Many victims are thus seeking help through international mechanisms to uncover details about their loved ones and seek justice.
The UN Working Group on Forced or Involuntary Disappearances reported that these cases have been linked to the political climate surrounding the 2024 presidential elections. Forced disappearances were noted during and after the elections, coinciding with Nicolás Maduro’s controversial re-election.
Claimed election results, which favored Maduro, faced allegations of having been manipulated. The opposition’s independent tallies from polling stations suggest a significant victory for Edmundo González. Protests against the official results were violently suppressed, resulting in many deaths and arrests.
Following the elections, the protests dwindled, yet targeted arrests of political opponents continued. Amid these developments, six U.S. citizens were recently released after diplomatic intervention. Human rights organization Foro Penal reported over 1,060 political prisoners currently in Venezuela.
The UN and IACHR experts acknowledged that a culture of fear prevails, driven by widespread impunity and selective justice. Reports of enforced disappearances have continued since the pre-election period, evidencing a pattern involving various governmental authorities.
These authorities, without acknowledging custody, place detainees outside legal protections, committing enforced disappearance. The experts urged the Venezuelan government to adhere to guidelines from the IACHR and the UN, insisting on transparency regarding the fates of the disappeared.
They emphasized that the offenses must be prosecuted under international law, ensuring that all detained individuals retain their fundamental legal rights, including communication with family and consular representatives.
The rising instances of forced disappearance in Venezuela have drawn significant international condemnation, highlighting the erosion of legal protections for political opponents. Experts call for accountability and adherence to human rights standards while urging the Venezuelan government to comply with international directives. The situation emphasizes both a climate of fear among citizens and a desperate need for justice and transparency in addressing enforced disappearances.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
