In Venezuela, defenders of human rights and civil society organisations operate under extreme duress. The government has crafted a systematic approach to curtail freedoms of expression and association, eroding the right to advocate for human rights. Reports from the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders have documented over 1,700 attacks on these groups from January 2022 through October 2024, with a staggering 80% being state-sponsored acts of aggression.
In the past year alone, over 20 urgent appeals have been issued to address the chilling effect of such intimidation, which includes threats, harassment, passport cancellations, arbitrary detentions, and torture. Compounding this situation, new restrictive legal measures targeting human rights work have been enacted. Acknowledging the vital role of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, we call on the global community to persist in documenting these violations and expressing solidarity with those affected, striving to end the cycle of persecution and harassment in Venezuela.
Human rights defenders in Venezuela are in a perilous environment, facing over 1,700 attacks since January 2022. State actions severely limit freedoms, with 80% of aggression attributed to government forces. Recent appeals highlight the ongoing intimidation and legal restrictions, necessitating continued international engagement to combat these violations.
The human rights landscape in Venezuela is dire, marked by relentless state-sponsored repression against defenders and organisations. With over 1,700 recorded attacks and new legal barriers, the situation demands international awareness and action. The call for global solidarity in the defence of human rights remains paramount to dismantling this oppressive framework.
Original Source: www.omct.org
