UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
46th Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Fact Finding Mission on Venezuela
10th March 2021
Statement by Portugal
Madam President,
Ms. Valiñas, Portugal welcomes your update and thanks you and your team for the extensive work carried out on this important subject.
We remain deeply concerned with the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Venezuela, particularly with the continuous repression against members of the press, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations.
These acts of intimidation, along with reprisals against political actors of the democratic opposition, only contribute to further aggravate the multidimensional crisis in the country, hindering a peaceful return to democracy and the rule of law.
Portugal, along with the EU, has long condemned these violations. We will continue to do so as the upholding of human rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms are crucial to ensure a lasting solution to the current situation.
Recalling its responsibilities as an elected member of the HRC, we call on the Venezuela to collaborate with the OHCHR and with the Fact Finding Mission, and to urgently address their findings and recommendations.
With the worsening of the humanitarian situation, now aggravated by the pandemic, we also call for unhindered and unimpeded access to both humanitarian personnel and goods.
Portugal remains committed to supporting the Venezuelan people and to contribute to a solution to overcome this multidimensional crisis.
Thank you.
