The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has raised serious concerns regarding continued human rights violations in Venezuela despite recent political changes. Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Türk acknowledged the passage of an amnesty law under the leadership of Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power following the seizure of former President Nicolás Maduro by US forces in January. However, he emphasized that “structural and systemic human rights concerns have persisted” in the South American nation.
Türk revealed that his office continues to receive disturbing reports of “torture and mistreatment of detainees” occurring in Venezuelan detention facilities, specifically naming Rodeo 1 and Fuerte Guaicaipuro centers. Particularly alarming is the disclosure that a child remains among those arbitrarily detained despite the amnesty legislation.
The Commissioner highlighted a significant discrepancy in release figures, noting that while the Maduro-loyalist parliament claims over 7,700 individuals received “full freedom,” the independent prisoners’ rights organization Foro Penal has confirmed fewer than 700 actual releases. According to parliamentary data, most beneficiaries weren’t in traditional prisons but under alternative restrictions like house arrest or parole.
Türk has urgently requested official documentation of those released and unimpeded access to detention centers, requests that have thus far gone unfulfilled. This call for transparency comes as the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela continues documenting post-January human rights violations, including torture, sexual violence, and degrading treatment in detention facilities.
Venezuelan officials have historically dismissed such allegations as politically motivated and previously characterized UN reports as “politicized” and driven by “perfidious interests.” The government has not yet responded to Türk’s latest statements.