Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Mr President,
Thank you to the members of the Fact-Finding Mission for your update today. New Zealand remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Venezuela, ahead of elections this year.
We urge the Government of Venezuela to cease its ongoing political repression, targeted persecution and attacks against civic space. The suspension of in-country activities of OHCHR, and the re-introduction of the NGO bill aimed at curbing the free functioning of civil society organisations are deeply concerning.
New Zealand calls for the implementation of the Barbados Agreement and free and fair elections in 2024. The Barbados electoral roadmap agreement remains the most practical mechanism for achieving competitive and inclusive elections in Venezuela and beginning to address Venezuela’s political, economic, and humanitarian crisis.
We reiterate the importance of the FFM and the significant work it does in shining a spotlight on human rights issues in Venezuela. We call for the full renewal of the mandate of the FFM in September 2024, in addition to the renewal of the monitoring and reporting mandates of the OHCHR, and the re-instatement of OHCHR’s in-country presence.
We ask the FFM: how can the international community continue to encourage Venezuela to hold free and fair elections, with a view to improving the lives of the Venezuelan people.
Thank you.