UN fact-finding mission warns of continued human rights abuses in Venezuela

"Civic and democratic space remains severely restricted. Civil society organizations, the few remaining independent media outlets, and political actors continue to face attacks, harassment or intimidation. The prospects for full guarantees necessary for free and democratic elections remain remote."

"A United Nations fact-finding mission has concluded that there are no indicators of structural reforms or change to improve the human rights situation in Venezuela, despite the removal of its leader in January."

"The fact-finding mission found that at least 87 people have been detained since January. Fourteen of them were journalists who were temporarily taken into custody while covering Rodriguez's inauguration, and another 27 were reportedly arrested for celebrating the fall of Rodriguez's predecessor, Nicolas Maduro."

A UN fact-finding mission concluded that Venezuela shows no indicators of structural reforms to improve human rights under interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who took office in January. The mission found ongoing severe restrictions on civic and democratic space, with civil society organizations, independent media, and political actors facing attacks and harassment. At least 87 people have been detained since January, including 14 journalists arrested during Rodriguez's inauguration and 27 arrested for celebrating former President Maduro's removal. Fifteen arrests involved children. The mission questioned whether Venezuela's leadership would face accountability for human rights abuses. Democratic election prospects remain remote despite the leadership change.

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