UN International Mission Accuses Maduro’s Government of Crimes Against Humanity before, during, and after Venezuela’s 2024 Election
A protester holds a poster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro that reads in Spanish "Maduro, close helicoide," where the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service holds detainees, during a protest to free political prisoners in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Sep. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
The 158 page report done by the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela revealed a pattern of coordinated human rights violations committed by Venezuelan security forces, government officials, and colectivos - armed, parapolice-like civilian groups loyal to Maduro. Colectivos often strike more fear in government opponents and protesters than the national guard.
While Venezuela has a long history of political protests and targeted actions against demonstrators since the Chavez and Maduro administrations, this report focuses specifically on the events that have unfolded in the months following the contentious 2024 Presidential Election. The election was marred by widespread allegations of fraud and numerous irregularities that have raised significant concerns among national and international observers.
The opposition, led by Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, has gathered substantial evidence indicating that the electoral process was heavily manipulated in favor of the ruling party. Reports have highlighted issues such as voter intimidation, a lack of transparency in the vote-counting process, and systematic restrictions on opposition participation that undermined any semblance of a fair election. These findings have been corroborated by independent monitors who have expressed serious doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez ride atop a truck on July 30, 2024, two days after presidential election results were released, declaring Maduro the winner. They were surrounded by hundreds of thousands of their supporters and protesters condemning the fraudulent regime. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)
International observers and organizations have condemned the election, asserting that it failed to meet basic democratic standards. The fallout from this election has exacerbated the already deep political crisis in Venezuela, sparking widespread protests and renewed calls for international intervention. Despite these urgent appeals, international leaders have largely remained passive, offering little in the way of concrete action to address the deteriorating situation. Many Venezuelans are increasingly disillusioned with the prospects for genuine democratic change as Maduro has remained in power three months after the fraudulent election. However, the atmosphere of uncertainty and unrest continues to grow with protests still occurring.
The report documents human rights violations that occurred before, during, and after the elections, accounting coordinated plans of arbitrary detentions, torture, forced disappearance, and sexual violence. The documents revealed alarming practices involving detainees, including children and individuals with disabilities. These detainees were threatened, sometimes subjected to torture, in attempts to compel them to self-incriminate for serious crimes such as terrorism. Additionally, many lacked access to legal representation, which left them vulnerable to harsh penalties and prolonged periods of imprisonment. Many detainees and their political opinions were tracked through X, Tik Tok, and Instagram. The national guard would show up to their homes, often charging them with terrorism, and take them away. By classifying them as terrorists and threats to national security, detainees find themselves tied up in complicated legal systems. The law says detainees should be taken to court within 48 hours of arrests, but this is very often ignored. In the cases where they are court hearings, they are not open to the public and they do not have legal representation.
On September 26, 2024, parents of unlawfully detained youths protested outside the Attorney General’s office in Caracas, Venezuela. The signs read, “Justice, they are not terrorist”, “we want answers”, and “Liberty for the political prisoners”. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
To make matters worse, citizens expressing their concerns and dismay of the government are not only being policed by the government, they are being monitored by their neighbors. The report revealed that there is an app being used where supporters can report their neighbors and acquaintances who are perceived as opponents of the government. Their house is marked with an X on a map, making it easier for the government to track opposition.
The document concludes by calling for the release of individuals detained and urges the government to respect basic human rights and international law.
The UN has been investigating Venezuela's situation since 2019, when former UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet visited Venezuela, met with Maduro and victims of political oppression, and established an office there. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission will continue its investigation, as the Human Rights Council recently decided to extend their mandate for another two years.