The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has strongly urged Venezuelan authorities to release individuals detained in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential elections. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, emphasizing the importance of adhering to due process and upholding fair trial standards. A full statement detailing these appeals is available from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Following the contentious 2024 elections, reports of human rights abuses have emerged, illustrating a severe crackdown on government critics. These abuses include arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, aimed at human rights defenders, journalists, and protestors. Such human rights violations have been documented by multiple organizations, including a detailed report by Human Rights Watch which identified over 2,000 people detained for opposing or criticizing the government.
A recent case highlighted by the UN involves Eduardo Torres, a lawyer known for his human rights advocacy, who disappeared on May 9, 2025. Prior to his disappearance, he faced various threats and harassment from local authorities, highlighting the precarious situation for those dissenting against the Venezuelan government. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and the International Federation for Human Rights have made an urgent appeal regarding this case.
Concerns extend to the conditions of detention, with the UN verifying at least three deaths of government critics under custody since July 2024. The UN continues to call for independent investigations into these deaths and improved detention conditions, as articulated by UN spokesperson Liz Throssell.
The UN is not alone in its calls for action. Earlier this year, several rights organizations urged the Venezuelan government to halt its repressive measures and abide by human rights obligations. The UN has also appealed for the reversal of legislation undermining freedom of expression and association, particularly citing the Law on the Control, Regulation, Performance, and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organizations.
The full details of the UN’s call can be accessed through the original report on JURIST.