HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
United Nations Human Rights Council
61st Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
12 March 2026
EU statement
Mr President,
The EU would like to thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its report and welcome its new members. We reiterate our full support for their work. As Venezuela enters a new phase, we renew our call on the authorities to engage with all human rights mechanisms constructively. The EU welcomes the issuance of visas to OHCHR staff as a first step towards the restoration of the full capacity of the Office in Venezuela, including its unfettered access to all regions and detention centres.
The EU welcomes recent releases of detainees, including dual and foreign citizens. Yet many reportedly remain arbitrarily detained. We call for all remaining political prisoners to be immediately freed and urge the authorities to ensure all releases are full and unconditional, and to put an end to arbitrary detentions as well as politically motivated indictments.
The EU welcomes the adoption of a general amnesty law, whose implementation must fully comply with international human rights law and international criminal law. In order to uphold victims’ right to justice, it is essential that serious human rights violations and crimes under international law are excluded from this law. We take note of the announced closure of the Helicoide detention centre as an important step towards dismantling structures used for repression and encourage the swift, full, and actual implementation of these measures.
The EU condemns any act of repression against dissenting voices, including opposition members, civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists. We urge authorities to respect, protect and fulfil human rights, including the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and to freedom of expression. We also express our full support to the Venezuelan civil society and human rights organisations.
The EU continues to support, in collaboration with local, regional and international partners, 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, in full respect of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. For 2026, we have allocated €52 million in humanitarian aid for the Venezuela crisis, supporting vulnerable populations both inside the country and across host nations in Latin America. Unhindered humanitarian access must be guaranteed.
Dear members of the FFM,
What priority measures should the international community take to ensure that human rights are effectively respected, protected and fulfilled in Venezuela?
Thank you.