A United Nations inquiry mission stated on Saturday that Nicolás Maduro must answer for crimes against humanity, despite deeming the US military intervention illegal. Mandated since 2019, the mission emphasizes the Venezuelan government's responsibility for serious human rights violations. It expresses concerns about potential new abuses in the current context.
The international UN inquiry mission, established in 2019 by the Human Rights Council, issued a statement emphasizing the need to hold Nicolás Maduro accountable for serious human rights violations under his regime. These acts include extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances, and torture, classified as crimes against humanity.
This statement comes after US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale military attack on Venezuela, leading to Maduro's capture. US forces apprehended him to bring him before a New York court, charged among other things with 'narcoterrorism.' Trump stated that the United States would direct the country until a safe political transition, without specifying details.
Alex Neve, a mission member, said: 'The long-standing record of the Maduro government in serious human rights violations does not justify a US military intervention that breaches international law.' He added: 'Likewise, the illegality of the US attack in no way diminishes the evident responsibility of Venezuelan officials, including Mr. Maduro, for years of repression and violence that constitute crimes against humanity.'
Marta Valiñas, the mission's president, stressed the need to 'maintain attention on the grave violations' committed against the Venezuelan population. Maria Eloisa Quintero, another member, clarified that responsibility extends beyond Maduro to include other security force leaders and commanders.
The mission expresses 'deep concern' over the risk of new violations in the coming days and weeks due to heightened volatility. It calls for solutions compliant with international law for the Venezuelan people.
