UN Experts Urge Investigation of US Blockade Impact on Human Rights in Venezuela

A group of four United Nations human rights experts has strongly criticized the United States for its partial naval blockade of Venezuela, labeling it as an illegal act of aggression. They have called on the US Congress to take action against this blockade, which they believe endangers the basic human rights of the Venezuelan people.

In a joint statement released recently, the UN experts declared, “There is no right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade.” Their concerns highlight the numerous implications this blockade may have on human welfare and rights in Venezuela.

Military Actions and Human Rights Violations

The US has mobilized significant military resources in the Caribbean region to enforce the blockade, which involves intercepting oil tankers belonging to Venezuela over alleged sanctions violations. The experts underlined that military blockades are prohibited uses of force under the UN Charter.

They stated, “It is such a serious use of force that it is also expressly recognized as illegal armed aggression under the General Assembly’s 1974 Definition of Aggression.” Furthermore, the risks associated with these unlawful actions pose severe threats to the right to life and various other rights within Venezuela and beyond.

Former US President Donald Trump has accused the Venezuelan government of utilizing its oil resources to fund criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violence. However, Caracas has denied these allegations, claiming that the United States aims to destabilize its government to gain control over its vast oil reserves, reputedly the largest in the world.

Since September, the US military has conducted numerous airstrikes on vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs. However, the evidence supporting these claims remains unverified, and reports indicate that over 100 individuals have lost their lives in the process.

Calls for Accountability and Congressional Action

The UN experts emphasized the necessity of investigating the reported killings, which they consider violations of the right to life. They urged that those responsible for these actions should be held accountable.

“US Congress should intervene to prevent further attacks and lift the blockade,” they asserted, imploring nations worldwide to adopt measures to halt these illegal actions and seek justice for the victims.

Among the experts who signed the statement are Ben Saul, the Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights while countering terrorism; George Katrougalos, an expert on fostering democratic and equitable international relations; Surya Deva, a development expert; and Gina Romero, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.