On June 27, 2025, Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, presented an updated report on the human rights situation in Venezuela to the UN Human Rights Council, covering the period from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.

In the report, Türk expressed concern over the deterioration of fundamental guarantees in the country, citing cases of arbitrary detentions, violations of due process, and enforced disappearances, against a backdrop of persistent allegations of torture and mistreatment.

This article delves into the content of the report, the Venezuelan government’s responses, and the historical context of Venezuela’s relationship with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), as well as the challenges and progress in human rights.

Context and Role of the OHCHR

The Human Rights Council, established in 2006, is the UN’s principal intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

The OHCHR, as part of the UN Secretariat, is mandated to advise, monitor, and issue recommendations to member states on policies and actions related to human rights.

To this end, it produces independent and impartial reports addressing issues such as discrimination, violence, access to justice, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

These reports are considered key tools by governments and international organizations for policy formulation and conflict resolution in human rights matters.

Venezuela and the OHCHR: A History of Tensions and Dialogue

The relationship between Venezuela and the OHCHR has been marked by tensions since the government of Hugo Chávez, particularly following the non-renewal of RCTV’s broadcasting license and the handling of protests and strikes.

In 2011, Venezuela signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the OHCHR, committing to strengthen state capacities in human rights, align laws with international standards, and promote the implementation of UN recommendations.

Despite partial implementation of these recommendations, tensions escalated due to the 2014-2017 political crisis and reports of arbitrary detentions and excessive use of force. In 2019, the visit of High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet renewed dialogue and led to the opening of an OHCHR technical office in Caracas.

However, the Venezuelan government denounced limitations in the office’s work and accused the reports of political manipulation and ignoring the impact of international sanctions.

The cooperation further weakened after the demand for the OHCHR representative in Caracas to leave in 2020, though the office remained in the country under restrictions.

Since then, OHCHR reports and those of the UN Independent Mission have documented extrajudicial executions, torture, and political persecution, allegations the government rejects as politically motivated and aligned with foreign interests.

International Commitments and Official Stance

Venezuela remains a party to key international treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions, and actively participates in UN treaty bodies.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to international norms and its willingness to cooperate with multilateral organizations, while insisting that OHCHR reports do not reflect Venezuela’s reality or the impact of unilateral sanctions by the United States and the European Union.

Recent Observations by High Commissioner Volker Türk

Since his appointment in 2022, Volker Türk has maintained a critical yet dialoguing stance. His main concerns include:

• Persecution of civil society and criminalization of human rights defenders, citing cases involving NGOs such as Provea and Proiuris.
• Enforced disappearances, excessive use of force, and restrictions on civic space, exemplified by the NGO Law.
• Pressure for the release of political prisoners, especially in the context of electoral events.

Türk’s most recent report also highlights the economic, social, and cultural challenges facing the population: difficulties in accessing healthcare, decent employment, and an adequate standard of living, exacerbated by inflation, sanctions, and reduced humanitarian aid.

Persistent issues such as power outages, water shortages, and insufficient wages, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, are also mentioned.

OHCHR Methodology

The OHCHR gathers information through interviews with victims and witnesses, meetings with officials and civil organizations, and analysis of national legislation in light of international standards.

The Venezuelan government has called for greater collaboration in defining data collection mechanisms, arguing that current reports lack impartiality and disregard national sovereignty.

Venezuelan Government’s Criticisms of OHCHR Reports

The Venezuelan government maintains that OHCHR reports present a biased view by attributing social, economic, and cultural problems solely to state management while ignoring the devastating impact of international sanctions.

According to official spokespersons, these sanctions are the primary cause of social and economic hardships, and their omission from reports reflects a political agenda driven by the United States and its allies.

The official discourse emphasizes a commitment to human rights, critical cooperation with the OHCHR, and the defense of sovereignty and social justice. Foreign Minister Yván Gil stated in 2024:
“Venezuela will continue defending its right to build its own model of justice and equity, without external impositions.”

Venezuela’s Progress in Human Rights

Despite challenges, the Venezuelan government highlights significant achievements in human rights:

• Poverty reduction and social protection through missions in health, education, housing, and food, as well as social welfare bonuses.
• Recognition of indigenous rights through legal reforms and land demarcation.
• Advances in gender equality and women’s rights, with new laws and greater political parity.
• Free and universal education, with high state investment in the sector.
• Participatory democracy, promoting the creation of communes and community councils, and over 30 electoral processes since 1999.

President Nicolás Maduro has reiterated:
“Our people have resisted with dignity, and we will continue advancing toward a fairer society.”

Challenges and Future Prospects

The human rights situation in Venezuela remains under intense international scrutiny and domestic debate. Key challenges include:

• Overcoming the impact of international sanctions, which hinder access to essential resources and worsen living conditions.
• Ensuring judicial independence and transparency, as well as respect for due process.
• Expanding civic space and protecting human rights defenders and social organizations.
• Improving cooperation with international bodies to ensure reports reflect Venezuela’s complex reality and the impact of external factors.

The Venezuelan government has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue with the UN and other international actors to strengthen human rights protections and improve living conditions. However, it insists that any international assessment must be balanced, respect national sovereignty, and acknowledge the negative effects of sanctions.

Conclusion

The relationship between Venezuela and the OHCHR remains in a delicate balance between criticism and dialogue.

International reports highlight serious human rights challenges, while the government defends its progress and denounces the impact of external sanctions.

Moving forward, the fundamental challenge will be advancing toward greater international cooperation, strengthening national institutions, and ensuring human rights are a reality for all Venezuelans.

The government has reiterated its commitment to social justice and inclusion, continuing efforts to overcome obstacles imposed by internal and external factors in pursuit of a more equitable society that respects fundamental rights.

IN THIS ARTICLE