“The repression of civic space has intensified, stifling people’s freedoms,” Türk said, pointing to arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances, in addition to growing social and economic difficulties.
He said recently adopted legislation gave the government expanded emergency powers based on perceived external threats, but noted that the text remains unpublished, shielding authorities from scrutiny.
Growing militarization
Public life, Türk warned, is becoming increasingly militarized, increasing the risk of violence in a society facing high levels of crime.
His Office, OHCHR, has received reports of forced enlistment in the Bolivarian Militia, including of teenagers and older people, as well as accounts that authorities are encouraging citizens to report relatives and neighbors through a state-sponsored mobile application.
“These policies generate fear, distrust and self-censorship,” he said.
Journalists, human rights defenders, opposition figures and humanitarian workers continue to face threats, harassment and risk of arbitrary detention, Türk added, driving many into exile.
“When human rights defenders and journalists leave, truth and accountability leave with them,” he warned.
Arrested for exercising civil rights
The High Commissioner expressed serious concern about detention conditions, citing persistent shortages of food and medicine and denial of family visits, which affects the physical and mental health of detainees, with fatal results in some cases.
While highlighting the release of at least 51 detainees since June, he urged the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained solely for exercising their civil rights and an end to forced disappearances and incommunicado detention.
He warned that attempts to strip opposition figures of their nationality violate international law.
Ukraine: silence the guns now
Turning to Ukraine, the High Commissioner said that almost four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, civilians face increasing harm, with a 24 percent increase in casualties compared to last year, largely due to Moscow’s expanded missile and drone strikes.
“No part of the country is safe,” he said, citing nationwide strikes against energy infrastructure that have left millions of people without power, heat or water as winter wears on.
Türk condemned extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual violence against prisoners of war and urged both Russia and Ukraine to respect international law, stressing that accountability remains essential.
“They need to silence the guns,” he stressed.