Human Lives Human Rights: In Venezuela, 2024 has witnessed a disturbing surge in government-led persecution aimed at stifling civil society, silencing dissenting voices, and quashing political opposition under Maduro’s regime.
A disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting human rights defenders and opposition activists has emerged, alongside proposed legislation that blatantly disregards fundamental human rights.
From executive to legislative to judicial branches, Venezuelan authorities have honed in on individuals and organizations challenging the status quo. Targets include prominent human rights defender Rocío San Miguel, civil society NGOs, humanitarian workers, and political opposition figures. These actions are not isolated incidents but rather constitute a systematic state policy to silence perceived threats to the current administration’s grip on power. Such violations warrant inclusion in the ongoing investigation into potential crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor.
Reports from human rights advocates reveal a sharp increase in arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, misuse of criminal law, violations of due process, stigmatizing campaigns, and allegations of torture against critics of Nicolás Maduro’s government, particularly those affiliated with opposition parties like Vente Venezuela. Concurrently, the government is advancing repressive legislative measures aimed at further persecuting civil society and political dissidents, with punitive measures including imprisonment.
It is imperative for the international community to closely monitor the situation in Venezuela, particularly amidst electoral processes, to prevent the Maduro government from further curtailing people’s rights to participate in public affairs. Solidarity with those exposing violations and defending their rights in Venezuela is essential. We call on Venezuelan authorities to cease all acts of repression, release political detainees such as Javier Tarazona and Rocío Sanmiguel immediately and unconditionally, withdraw legislation threatening civic space, and cooperate fully with international scrutiny and accountability mechanisms.
As the world witnesses the erosion of basic freedoms in Venezuela, sustained international attention and action are crucial to uphold human rights and protect democracy in the region.
