UN urges Venezuelan authorities to respect protest rights and freedom of expression

He General secretary of the UN, António Guterres, and the High Commissioner for Human RightsVolker Türk, expressed concern on Tuesday about the clashes between protesters and law enforcement occurred in Venezuela following the presidential elections held last Sunday in which Nicolás Maduro, the country’s current president, was declared the winner.

“I am extremely concerned about the Increased tensions in Venezuelawith disturbing reports of violence since last Sunday’s election,” Türk said in a statement.

Demonstrations have taken place in at least 17 of the country’s 24 states, including the capital, Caracas.

“Hundreds of people have been arrestedincluding children. This worries me deeply,” Türk insisted.

The High Commissioner expressed alarm regarding reports of disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officers, as well as violence by armed pro-government individuals known as colectivos.

Reports of injuries and one death

He detailed that several protesters have been injured by firearms, with One death confirmed on July 29“More allegations are still pending verification,” he added.

Türk indicated that those responsible for human rights violations should To be accountable.

He said that Venezuela is at a critical moment and urged the authorities “to respect the rights of all Venezuelans to assemble and protest peacefully and to express their opinions freely and without fear.”

He also recalled that all Venezuelans have right to participate substantially in decisions that affect their lives and the future of their country, including through credible elections.

In this regard, he added his voice to that of the Secretary General, calling that electoral disputes be resolved peacefully and with complete transparencywhich implies the rapid publication of election results with a breakdown by voting centre.

“The electoral authorities must carry out their work in a independent and without interference, in order to ensure the free expression of the will of voters and safeguard their rights,” he added, echoing the Secretary-General’s statement on Monday.

Political leaders and their supporters must reject violence

On the other hand, the UN spokesperson declared today on behalf of António Guterres that it is “essential” that Venezuelan authorities respect people’s right to demonstrate peacefullyto protect that right and not hinder it.

Responding to a question from the press about the latest developments in the South American country, Stephan Dujarric said the world body is following the latest round of protests “very closely”.

“We are very concerned about reports of arrests. It is important that everyone Political leaders and their supporters reject any form of violence, threats or incitement to violence,” Dujarric emphasized.

The spokesman also reiterated that any electoral dispute must be resolved peacefully, and that full transparency of the election results, including the immediate breakdown of votes by electoral college.