A recent report from the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders reveals the alarming scale of human rights abuses in Venezuela, with systematic repression targeting defenders between 2022 and 2024. The report outlines more than 1,730 attacks, including arbitrary detentions, torture, forced disappearances, and harassment, of which a staggering 78.1% were inflicted by state actors.
In the wake of protests by public sector workers, particularly in the health and education sectors, security forces and government-aligned groups have aggressively suppressed demonstrations demanding fair wages and working conditions. Over 763 protests were recorded from January 2022 to December 2023, resulting in at least 60 union leaders being detained arbitrarily alongside reports of intimidation and constant surveillance.
The atmosphere surrounding the 2024 elections was heavily marred by intimidation and persecution of opposition candidates. Following the announcement of results on July 28, around 900 protests erupted, with violent crackdowns by security forces leading to 25 fatalities and over 2,300 arbitrary detentions, including vulnerable groups such as children and women, exacerbated by allegations of torture and forced disappearances.
The situation sparked further fear with the launch of “Operation Tun-tun,” a governmental campaign targeting dissenting voices including social leaders and journalists, characterised by mass arrests and warrantless raids. Olga Guzman from OMCT highlights how the government has created an environment of terror to stifle political participation and free expression.
Jimena Reyes of FIDH raises concerns that arbitrary detentions and harassment continue to serve as tools for the regime to silence human rights defenders. High-profile cases, such as the detention of Carlos Correa from NGO ‘Espacio Público’, underline efforts to suppress those exposing human rights violations.
The report concludes with a call for urgent action from the Venezuelan state to halt human rights violations and lift restrictions on freedom of association, urging the international community to maintain scrutiny over Venezuela and support human rights defenders in their critical work.
The Observatory (OMCT-FIDH) report exposes extensive human rights abuses in Venezuela, highlighting over 1,730 attacks against defenders and civil organisations from 2022 to 2024. Key issues include arbitrary detentions, censorship, and a clampdown on protests, particularly in the public sector, alongside a repressive electoral climate with the 2024 elections culminating in widespread violence and arrests. Call for action emphasizes the need for immediate cessation of abuses and support for human rights defenders.
The Observatory report paints a stark picture of Venezuela’s ongoing repression of human rights defenders, detailing systematic violations and state-sponsored violence against those advocating for their rights. The urgent need for action from both the Venezuelan government and the international community is underscored to protect these defenders and uphold democratic principles in the nation.
Original Source: www.omct.org
