Amnesty International has raised serious human rights and international law concerns following the United States’ military action in Venezuela, warning that the operation undermines the global rules-based order.
In a statement on Saturday, the human rights organisation said the US action, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, raises grave concerns for the human rights of the Venezuelan population.
Amnesty said the operation “most likely constitutes a violation of international law, including the UN Charter,”it said.
It added that the declared intention by the US to run Venezuela and control its oil resources further deepens those concerns.
“Amnesty International is particularly concerned about the risks of further escalation of human rights violations in the country, stemming either from additional US operations or from the Venezuelan government’s responses to the US attacks.”
Amnesty International urged the US government to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, calling on it to prioritise the protection of civilians.
It also demanded that the rights of all persons deprived of liberty be respected, including the right to due process and humane treatment.
The group also called on Venezuelan authorities to avoid further repression, reminding them that they remain bound by international law to respect and protect the human rights of all Venezuelans, regardless of the current crisis.
According to Amnesty, those most immediately at risk include human rights defenders and political activists who have, for years, opposed the Maduro government’s alleged human rights violations and crimes under international law.
“Those most immediately at risk include human rights defenders and political activists who have courageously opposed Maduro government’s human rights violations and crimes under international law for years. Amnesty International stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people: the thousands of victims and survivors, and the millions who have fled after years of enduring grave violations and crimes against humanity,” it stated.
While criticising the US action, Amnesty reiterated its long-standing call for accountability for abuses committed under Maduro’s government.
It said allegations against the former administration should be investigated and, where evidence allows, prosecuted before an independent and impartial court to ensure justice, reparations, and guarantees that such violations do not happen again.
The organisation expressed alarm that the attack on Venezuela was carried out by one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
The organisation warned that it further weakens international law and the rules-based global system.
“Amnesty International is alarmed that the attack against Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores by one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council further deepen the breakdown of international law and the rules-based order. These actions signal an international system run by military force, threats, and intimidation, and they increase the risks of copycat actions by others,” it added.
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