Venezuela Expels United Nations Office on Human Rights for Alleged Covert Operations, Aiding Coup Plotters, and Terrorist Groups
Venezuela’s government has ordered the local United Nations (UN) office on human rights to cease operations and has given its staff 72 hours to leave the country. This decision, made amid heightened concerns of government repression, comes as allegations of assisting coup plotters and terrorist groups have arisen. Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil made the announcement, accusing the UN office of functioning as an “international sounding board” against the government and the Venezuelan people, rather than advancing and optimizing human rights.
Unverified Claims Against the UN Office
Minister Gil stated that the local technical advisory office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, established in 2019, has transformed into a “private law firm” aiding coup plotters and terrorist groups. However, no concrete evidence or specific examples were provided to support these allegations.
Upon hearing the announcement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, refrained from commenting, indicating the need to verify the Venezuelan government’s decision.
Detention of Human Rights Attorney Sparks Outrage
Rocio San Miguel, a prominent human rights attorney, was taken into custody along with her daughter at Caracas’ airport. However, the authorities only acknowledged her detention days later, causing a wave of criticism. San Miguel is currently held at the Helicoide prison, notorious for housing political prisoners.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab has charged San Miguel with treason, conspiracy, and terrorism. Her ex-husband, daughter, two brothers, and former partner have also been imprisoned, with only her ex-partner remaining in custody. He faces charges related to revealing state and military secrets and obstruction of justice.
UN Expresses Concern and Calls for Respect of Due Process
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, based in Switzerland, responded with “deep concern” over San Miguel’s detention and urged for her immediate release and the respect of her right to legal defense. Furthermore, prior to Minister Gil’s announcement, the UN agency called for the protection of due process guarantees, including the right to defense, in San Miguel’s case.
Development of the Local UN Office in Venezuela
Minister Gil reminded reporters that President Nicolas Maduro had agreed to cooperate with the high commissioner to establish the local technical advisory office in Caracas in 2019. The main objective was to showcase the advancements in human rights in Venezuela. Currently, the office has 13 staff members who, as per the government’s order, must leave the country within 72 hours.
This decision was made following a scathing report released in 2019 by the then UN High Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, which highlighted widespread human rights abuses perpetrated by Venezuelan government security forces.
Fact-Finding Mission Hindered
The UN Human Rights Council had previously voted for the establishment of an independent fact-finding mission to investigate allegations of human rights violations in Venezuela, including killings, disappearances, arbitrary detention, and torture. However, the Venezuelan government has refused to allow the mission to enter the country.
Although the fact-finding mission’s access has been limited, its investigations have exposed the government’s efforts to curtail democratic freedoms leading up to this year’s presidential election. The mission has documented a range of anti-democratic tactics, including threats, surveillance, and harassment directed at politicians, labor leaders, journalists, human rights defenders, and those perceived as government opponents.
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Associated Press videojournalist Derek Karikari in New York contributed to this report.
