The government of Venezuela has directed the United Nations office for human rights in the region to halt its activities and has given its employees 72 hours to depart. This decision was made after accusing the office of advocating against the South American nation’s government.
Yván Gil, the minister of foreign affairs, declared the decision during a press conference in Caracas on Thursday. This announcement by Gil follows the recent arrest of human rights lawyer Rocío San Miguel, which sparked widespread condemnation within and outside of Venezuela.
The government of a South American nation announced that they have chosen to halt the operations of the UN high commissioner for human rights’ technical advisory office and conduct a thorough review of the terms of technical cooperation.
The government has demanded that the UN human rights office correct its “colonialist, abusive, and violating” behavior. They have accused the office of interfering in the country and enabling those who have committed acts such as assassination attempts, coups, conspiracies, and other plots to escape punishment.
The government of Venezuela frequently makes allegations against members of the opposition party, claiming they are planning coups or attempting to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. However, these accusations are strongly denied by the opposing parties and their members.
“We regret this announcement and are evaluating the next steps. We continue to engage with the authorities and other stakeholders,” said UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. “Our guiding principle has been and remains the promotion and protection of the human rights of the people of Venezuela.”
Venezuelan state television on Wednesday harshly criticized comments by the UN’s special rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, who just concluded a visit to Venezuela. Fakhri had said in a statement the government food program does not tackle the root causes of hunger and is susceptible to political influences.
On Friday, San Miguel was apprehended at the Caracas airport while waiting for a flight to Miami with her daughter. It wasn’t until Sunday that authorities acknowledged her arrest, and as of Wednesday, her lawyer still had not been granted permission to see her.
Earlier this week, Tarek William Saab, the attorney general, stated that she was being detained at the Helicoide prison, a notorious facility known for holding political prisoners.
Following her arrest, 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, located in Geneva, Switzerland, conveyed “serious concern” regarding the imprisonment of San Miguel.
The office posted on Twitter, urging for her release and the protection of her right to a fair trial. Approximately one hour prior to Gil’s statement, the UN agency emphasized the importance of respecting due process, including the right to a legal defense, in her situation.
The United Nations office was founded in Caracas in September 2019.
Source: theguardian.com
