Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Mr Vice President,
As demonstrated by the High Commissioner’s report, the human rights situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate.
This is a country in crisis. The ongoing and widespread repression and violence now means that over 20 million Venezuelans live in poverty, and over 14 million face severe humanitarian needs.
We are deeply concerned that restrictions on basic rights and freedoms appear to have increased, and that arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances continue.
New Zealand reiterates calls for a peaceful and democratic solution to the human rights crisis in Venezuela. We urge the Venezuelan authorities to cease their ongoing repression including regarding the arrest of human rights defenders, political leaders, and their families.
It is also deeply troubling that amid the worsening human rights situation, only one of the Office’s staff members remain present in-country.
We echo calls for the restoration the Office’s presence in Venezuela, to enable meaningful and unfettered access to conduct its mandate.
High Commissioner, what are your reflections on the barriers and opportunities that remote monitoring has presented in the Venezuelan context? How could these insights inform future approaches to human rights monitoring in restricted settings?
Thank you.