“This recognition reflects the clear aspirations of the people of Venezuela for free and fair elections, for civil and political rights, and for the rule of law. The High Commissioner has consistently spoken out in support of these values.”
The 58-year-old activist, who was banned from running in last year’s presidential election, lives in hiding inside Venezuela and was briefly detained after attending an opposition rally in January. She was reportedly quickly released following international pressure.
Machado thanked the Nobel committee for the honor, saying it was “the achievement of an entire society… I’m just one person. I certainly don’t deserve this.”
Opposition figures held incommunicado
Conclusive evidence of serious restrictions on civic freedoms in Venezuela has been documented in numerous reports commissioned by the Human Rights Council.
Earlier this year, independent human rights investigators reporting to the Council in Geneva urged authorities to end the reported practice of holding political opponents incommunicado.
They insisted that these “selective arrests”were illegal and amounted to a forced disappearance, a serious violation of human rights, if proven, and potentially an international crime.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has also consistently expressed concern about alleged abuses in the Latin American nation.
In December 2024, Türk highlighted the “disproportionate use of force and violence” during post-election protests earlier in the year, “including those by armed individuals supporting the government” that resulted in at least 28 deaths.
In July, the Venezuelan National Assembly declared Mr. Türk and OHCHR staff persona non grata, effectively impeding UN human rights work there.
Universal rights
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Mr. Al-Kheetan highlighted that OHCHR sought to collaborate with the Government of Venezuela and all other stakeholders.
“We remain firmly committed to continuing to work to defend and protect the human rights of all Venezuelans, whether they are in Venezuela or abroad, and based of course on information and with victims at the center of our work,” he said.
“The conclusion here is that We need more commitment with the authorities.”he continued, noting that the National Assembly of Venezuela unfortunately voted to declare the High Commissioner persona non grata.