New york: The UN human rights office stated on Tuesday that the recent US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, undermines the fundamental principles of international law. The office expressed concerns over actions that threaten the territorial integrity of states.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concerns regarding the situation in Venezuela following the US military operation over the weekend. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the office, emphasized that the operation violated a core principle of international law by threatening or using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state.
The US has defended its intervention by pointing to the Venezuelan government's longstanding human rights violations. However, the rights office countered that accountability for such violations cannot be achieved through unilateral military intervention that breaches international law. The statement highlighted that the Venezuelan people deserve accountability via a fair, victim-centered process.
The UN rights office's statement also highlighted ongoing violations of Venezuelans' rights and warned that the US intervention's resulting instability and further militarization could exacerbate the situation. The High Commissioner urged the US, Venezuelan authorities, and the international community to fully respect international law and human rights.
Furthermore, the office reiterated that Venezuela's future should be determined by its citizens, respecting their human rights, including their right to self-determination and sovereignty over their resources.
Volker Turk, head of the UN rights office, issued a separate statement, stressing that the US operation undermines a fundamental principle of international law, which dictates that states must not use force to pursue territorial claims or political demands. He added on US social media platform X that Venezuelan society needs healing and that the country's future must be decided by its people.
On January 3, President Donald Trump announced that the US military operation in Venezuela led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump pledged to maintain American control over the country temporarily, employing US troops if necessary. Maduro and Flores are currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. They appeared before US Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York on Monday, pleading not guilty to federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with gangs labeled as terrorist organizations.