The government of Venezuela has directed the United Nations’ human rights office in the country to halt its activities and has given its employees 72 hours to depart. This action was taken after accusing the office of advocating against the government in the South American nation.
The decision was announced by Yván Gil, the minister of foreign affairs, during a press conference in Caracas on Thursday. This announcement followed the arrest of human rights lawyer Rocío San Miguel, causing widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
The government of the country in South America announced that it has chosen to halt the operations of the UN high commissioner for human rights’ technical advisory office and conduct a comprehensive review of the terms of technical cooperation.
The government has stated that the UN human rights office needs to address its “colonialist, abusive, and violating behavior”. They have accused the office of playing an inappropriate role in the country and promoting immunity for individuals involved in assassination attempts, coups, conspiracies, and other schemes.
The government of Venezuela frequently accuses members of the opposition of planning to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro or assassinate him. These accusations are strongly denied by the opposing parties and their members.
“We apologize for this statement and are considering our next course of action. We are actively communicating with the government and other involved parties,” stated spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani from the UN Human Rights Office. “Our main focus has always been and continues to be the advocacy and safeguarding of the human rights of the Venezuelan people.”
The UN’s special rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, recently visited Venezuela and made comments that were strongly criticized by Venezuelan state television on Wednesday. In a statement, Fakhri stated that the government’s food program does not address the underlying causes of hunger and is vulnerable to political interference.
On Friday, San Miguel was apprehended at the airport near Caracas while she and her daughter were waiting for a flight to Miami. The authorities did not publicly recognize her arrest until Sunday, and as of Wednesday, her lawyer has not been granted permission to see her.
Earlier this week, the attorney general, Tarek William Saab, announced that she was being detained at the Helicoide prison, a notorious facility known for holding political prisoners.
After being arrested, San Miguel’s daughter, ex-husband, two brothers, and former partner were also taken into custody. However, only her former partner is still being held.
On Tuesday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, conveyed their “deep concern” regarding San Miguel’s arrest.
The office posted on Twitter, urging for “her immediate release” and for her right to a fair legal defense to be respected. Approximately one hour before Gil’s statement, the UN agency also called for the protection of “due process guarantees, including the right to a defense” in regards to her situation.
The United Nations office was founded in Caracas in September of 2019.
Source: theguardian.com
