The article discusses the increasing use of forced disappearances in Venezuela, highlighting criticism from UN and Inter-American Human Rights experts. They express concern about the tactic being employed against political activists and call for government accountability. The piece reports on the context of the upcoming presidential elections and ongoing violations of human rights, including a significant number of political prisoners in the country.
Recent statements from United Nations and Inter-American Human Rights experts have underscored the alarming rise of forced disappearances targeting activists in Venezuela. They called on the Venezuelan government to reveal the whereabouts of these individuals and safeguard their lives. The use of forced disappearance, described as a tactic to silence dissent, has reportedly escalated as the country approaches the 2024 presidential elections.
Reports indicate that family members and legal representatives are increasingly turning to international bodies due to the ineffectiveness of local institutions in handling complaints about disappeared individuals. The UN Working Group on Forced or Involuntary Disappearances emphasized that many petitions for habeas corpus are dismissed or ignored, compelling victims’ families to seek justice elsewhere.
Notably, there were allegations of forced disappearances connected with the July 2024 presidential election, culminating in Nicolás Maduro’s contested victory. The lack of transparency in the electoral process and subsequent violent crackdowns on protests further intensify concerns regarding the treatment of political dissenters in Venezuela.
Following an uptick in protests against the government’s electoral assertions, there was a transitory shift that saw some detainees, including U.S. citizens, being released. However, the government maintained a robust stance against opposition leaders and activists, with the human rights group Foro Penal reporting a significant number of political prisoners in the country as of early 2024.
Experts observe that a pervasive atmosphere of fear characterizes Venezuelan society, primarily due to widespread impunity and selective justice. They noted that state authorities repeatedly engage in practices that amount to enforced disappearances, involving various government bodies, including military and intelligence services.
The experts insist upon adherence to precautionary measures suggested by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and stress the importance of providing clarity on the fates of those forcibly disappeared. They highlighted that the erasure of enforced disappearances is imperative and must be treated as a serious breach of human rights under international law.
Lastly, the UN experts reaffirmed that individuals in custody must receive fundamental legal protections, which include the rights to communication and visitation from legal representatives and family members. They insisted that the rights of all detained individuals, including foreigners, must be guaranteed, emphasizing the essential legal pathways to contest the legality of their detention.
In summary, the surge in forced disappearances in Venezuela raises significant human rights concerns, with calls from international experts urging adherence to legal safeguards for detainees. The Venezuelan government’s actions, particularly in relation to political opposition and perceived dissent, highlight systemic issues of impunity and injustice. The international community remains vigilant, demanding accountability and transparency from the Venezuelan authorities regarding the fates of the disappeared individuals.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
