Recent reports indicate a surge in forced disappearances of activists in Venezuela, prompting criticism from UN and IACHR experts. They underscore the use of these tactics to intimidate opposition, while families struggle to seek justice. International authorities have urged the Venezuelan government to provide information on the whereabouts of the missing and uphold human rights standards. There is an urgent need for greater accountability and transparency within the Venezuelan state.
Experts from the United Nations and the Inter-American Human Rights system have condemned the rising use of forced disappearance against activists in Venezuela, urging the government to reveal their locations and ensure their safety in a statement released on February 28. They assert that the tactic is employed to suppress opposition, instilling fear across society and silencing pro-democracy voices and human rights defenders.
Reports indicate that victims’ families, lawyers, and civil society organizations are increasingly filing complaints and petitions to discover the whereabouts of their loved ones, yet these are often disregarded by national authorities. The experts highlighted a disturbing trend where victims turn to international bodies for assistance due to national institutions being perceived as ineffectual.
The UN Working Group on Forced or Involuntary Disappearances indicated a rise in disappearances, particularly relating to the presidential elections in July 2024 and the subsequent inauguration in January 2025. The electoral process saw Nicolás Maduro declared the winner, despite significant claims from the opposition asserting that Edmundo González garnered more support from voters.
Following the controversial election, protests erupted and were met with severe repression, leading to numerous fatalities, injuries, and mass arrests. While some detainees were released under conditions, targeted arrests of political figures and human rights advocates continued in the months afterward. The Venezuelan organization Foro Penal reported over 1,000 political prisoners as of February 24, 2023.
The climate of terror in Venezuela is exacerbated by rampant impunity and selective justice, as noted by the UN and IACHR experts. Patterns of enforced disappearance are emerging during pre-election periods, implicating governmental authorities, including intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The international community has urged the Venezuelan government to adhere to precautionary measures and provide clarity on the fate of the forcibly disappeared individuals.
It is essential to hold accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances and ensure that all detainees are afforded basic legal rights, including family communication and access to legal counsel. The experts emphasized that foreign detainees also have rights to communicate with their consular offices and to timely judicial proceedings to ascertain the legality of their detention.
The situation in Venezuela regarding forced disappearances is alarming, with international authorities calling for the government to act. The systemic use of this tactic not only silences dissent but also contributes to widespread fear among citizens. Continued advocacy from global entities is crucial to ensure human rights are respected and that those responsible for such violations are held accountable. Immediate attention is required from both national and international stakeholders to address the issues of enforced disappearance, ensure transparency in detainee treatment, and safeguard the fundamental rights of all individuals.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
