The United Nations Human Rights Office has issued a stern condemnation of the United States’ military operation in Venezuela, characterizing it as a violation of core international legal principles. UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani articulated profound concerns regarding the weekend operation, emphasizing that it contravenes the fundamental tenet prohibiting states from threatening or using force against another nation’s territorial integrity.
While acknowledging Venezuela’s documented human rights deficiencies, the High Commissioner maintained that accountability for such abuses cannot be achieved through unilateral military actions that themselves breach international law. The statement emphasized that Venezuelans deserve justice through fair, victim-centered judicial processes rather than foreign intervention.
Complicating the situation further, Venezuelan authorities implemented a state of emergency effective Saturday, granting powers to restrict movement, confiscate property for national defense, and suspend assembly and protest rights. The UN expressed additional concern over these measures’ potential impact on civil liberties.
Concurrently, regional responses are emerging with Belize announcing alignment with CARICOM leadership to evaluate hemispheric implications. Belizean officials urged restraint, respect for international law, and constructive dialogue to restore Venezuela’s constitutional order according to its people’s will. They reaffirmed commitment to maintaining the region as a ‘Zone of Peace’ despite current challenges.
The military operation, described by US officials as months in preparation and unprecedented in scale, involved deployment of over 150 aircraft targeting the capture of President Nicolás Maduro overnight Saturday.