Venezuela: UN human rights chief concerned about post-election tensions and violence
IN statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Türk said he was “extremely concerned” about the rising tensions in the South American country.
The vote took place on Sunday and incumbent President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner the following day, sparking protests.
Arrests ‘very’ worrying
Mr. Türk noted that protests have taken place in at least 17 of Venezuela’s 24 states, including the capital, and hundreds of people have been arrested, including children.
“This makes me very worried,” he said.
The UN human rights chief was also concerned about reports of disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials along with violence by armed pro-government individuals, known as collective.
He said several protesters had been injured by gunfire, including one confirmed fatality on Monday, and more allegations were still pending, adding that those responsible for the violations must be held accountable.
‘Important time’
“Venezuela is at a critical juncture. I call on the authorities to respect the right of all Venezuelans to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and to express their views freely and without fear,” he said.
The High Commissioner stressed that all Venezuelans have the right to participate in meaningful decisions that affect their lives and the future of the country.
“I support the Secretary-General’s call on Monday for the peaceful resolution of electoral disputes in full transparency, including the timely publication of election results with detailed polling station-by-polling breakdown,” he said.
“Election bodies must carry out their work independently and without interference, in order to ensure the free expression of the will of voters and to protect their rights.”
Reject all violence
Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to monitor developments in Venezuela “very closely,” the spokesman said. Secretary-General António Guterres said in New York.
“We are very concerned by the reports of this arrest. It is important that all political leaders and their supporters reject any form of violence, threats of violence or incitement to violence,” Stéphane Dujarric told journalists attending his daily briefing at UN Headquarters.
He stressed the importance of the government respecting people’s right to peaceful protest, which needs to be protected.
He stressed that any election disputes must be resolved peacefully and that complete transparency of election results must be ensured, including the immediate distribution of votes by polling station.
