Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Madam President,
New Zealand thanks the High Commissioner for her update on the human rights situation in Venezuela.
We remain deeply concerned about continuing violations of human rights by the Maduro regime. Legislative elections held in December were not conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. We urgently call on the Maduro regime to re-establish democratic norms and institutions.
Over the past year, we have seen the COVID pandemic make worse an already dire situation for millions of struggling Venezuelans, who lack access to the most basic rights, such as adequate medical treatment, food, water, and shelter. Access to maternal and sexual and reproductive health services, which were already severely limited due to the humanitarian crisis, has further deteriorated due to the pandemic.
New Zealand expresses serious concern about the arbitrary detention and harassment of political actors, journalists, human rights defenders and NGO workers, among others, and the limitations placed on their freedom of expression. Continuing reports of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment remain of grave concern.
New Zealand is committed to supporting a peaceful and democratic solution to the current crisis in Venezuela. We continue to call on all sides to work together to uphold and protect the human rights of all Venezuelans and to resolve the current humanitarian situation.
Thank you.