In a pointed critique of recent U.S. actions, UN experts have raised alarms over what they describe as a de facto maritime blockade imposed by the United States on Venezuela. According to statements from these experts, the seizures of vessels in the vicinity of Venezuela constitute a violation of international norms, which include fundamental rules governing military force and sovereign rights. The situation has escalated since December 10, 2025, when the U.S. seized an oil tanker under the directive of President Donald Trump. This action is part of a broader strategy to restrict the movement of sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from the South American nation.
On December 16, President Trump took to Truth Social to assert that any vessel approaching Venezuela could face a “total and complete blockade.” This announcement was accompanied by the deployment of a substantial military force to the Caribbean, set to enforce these measures aggressively. Experts from the UN have unequivocally stated that such blockades are against the principles of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which specifically prohibits the unilateral use of military force. The General Assembly’s 1974 Definition of Aggression also marks such acts as clear instances of illegal armed aggression.
The implications of these blockades extend beyond legal breaches, affecting human rights across the region. As the UN experts have highlighted, the aggressive enforcement tactics perilously infringe upon the right to life and other fundamental rights within Venezuela. The U.S. efforts to justify these actions by labeling the Venezuelan government as a “foreign terrorist organisation” under the alleged ‘Cartel de los Soles’ seem to lack tangible evidence. Moreover, the U.S. Navy’s engagements with vessels suspected of drug trafficking have culminated in casualties, with 104 individuals reported dead, amplifying concerns over human rights violations.
UN experts are calling for comprehensive investigations into these incidents and demand accountability for the loss of life. They have urged the U.S. Congress to act decisively to halt these operations and lift what they consider an unlawful blockade. In their appeal, the experts stress the necessity for collective global action to uphold international law. This includes diplomatic protests, formal resolutions by the General Assembly, and other non-military means to secure a peaceful resolution.
The prevailing view among the UN experts is that the current U.S. posture threatens the international order’s foundational tenets, namely respect for sovereignty, non-use of force, and peaceful dispute resolutions. As the situation evolves, Venezuelans and the wider international community watch carefully, given the potential repercussions on regional stability. The persistent call for peace underscores the concerns expressed by international observers over these developments. More insights into the unfolding events can be found on JURIST.