UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

EU statement

27 June 2025

Mr President, 

Mr High Commissioner

The European Union would like to thank you for this comprehensive report and to reiterate our support for the important work of your Office. All human rights mechanisms on Venezuela are essential, including the Fact Finding Mission, and we urge the authorities to engage with them constructively. 

We strongly support the restoration of the full capacity of the OHCHR in Caracas, including the return of all staff members and their unfettered access to all regions and detention centres. In that respect, the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the letter of understanding is of particular concern. 

The EU is very concerned about the acts of repression mentioned in your report, including excessive use of force and harassment against dissenting voices, opposition members, civil society, human rights defenders, as well as journalists and other media workers. We urge the authorities to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights, to investigate human rights violations and abuses, to hold those responsible accountable, and to lift the severe restrictions on civil society space and NGOs. 

Despite the conditional release of a number of arbitrarily detained individuals since last summer, new individuals have been arrested arbitrarily in the past months and hundreds of political prisoners remain behind bars, often in dire conditions. We call for their immediate and unconditional release, including dual and foreign citizens, and the end of enforced disappearances.

Together with regional and international partners, the EU aims to foster a Venezuelan-led dialogue towards a peaceful and democratic solution that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people and restores democracy, the rule of law and human rights. 

Mr High Commissioner, 

What is the state of play of the renewal of the letter of understanding and your presence in the Venezuela?

Thank you.