United Nations human rights officials have issued a stern condemnation of recent US actions against Venezuela, warning that such measures have created heightened global insecurity. Ravina Shamdasani, speaking on behalf of UN human rights authorities, declared that the January 3rd operation conducted by Washington—which involved the attempted abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores—has compromised the security of all nations.
Shamdasani emphasized that this aggressive intervention represents a clear violation of established international legal standards and fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Specifically, she referenced the Charter’s prohibition against member states threatening or using force to undermine the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign nation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres separately addressed the escalating situation, expressing deep concern about the regional repercussions and potential damage to international diplomatic relations. Guterres stressed that global peace and security depend entirely on the unwavering commitment of all nations to uphold every provision of the UN Charter without exception.
The Secretary-General further elaborated that comprehensive respect for the Charter must be accompanied by adherence to all applicable legal frameworks, with particular attention to preserving the political independence and territorial integrity of states.
Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Samuel Moncada, simultaneously demanded immediate respect for his country’s sovereignty and the unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife, characterizing their detention as an illegal act of aggression that requires urgent international resolution.