News:
Madam President,
New Zealand is deeply concerned by the human rights and humanitarian situation in Venezuela.
The report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission confirms that the conditions in Venezuela continue to deteriorate as part of a pattern of systemic violence aimed at suppressing political opposition and the Venezuelan people.
New Zealand is gravely concerned at the finding that senior figures of Nicolás Maduro’s regime directed, co-ordinated and resourced human rights violations that amount to crimes against humanity.
New Zealand calls on the Maduro regime to end extrajudicial killings, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and the systemic use of torture against its citizens. Venezuela must provide for the basic needs of its citizens. The rights of activists, human rights defenders, the political opposition, and indeed all Venezuelans must be respected.
We call on the Maduro regime to address the structural factors contributing to these violations. The undermining of the justice system and the National Assembly documented by the Mission is of significant concern. It is clear from the findings of the Mission that the conditions do not exist for free and fair legislative elections this December. Freedom of the press, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly – all must be respected and defended.
New Zealand remains committed to supporting a peaceful and democratic solution to the current crisis in Venezuela.
New Zealand urges Venezuela to fully cooperate with the Fact-Finding Mission and implement its recommendations. Venezuela must address the violations and crimes documented by the Fact Finding Mission and bring the perpetrators to account.