UN Human Rights Experts Condemn US Naval Blockade on Venezuela as Illegal Military Aggression
A group of four United Nations human rights authorities has sharply criticized the United States for enforcing a partial naval blockade against Venezuela, branding it an unlawful act of armed aggression. They have called on the US Congress to promptly intervene and terminate these actions.
International Law Violations Surrounding the Blockade
The experts highlighted that imposing unilateral sanctions through military blockades breaches international legal standards. In their joint statement, they asserted that “no country holds legitimate authority to enforce sanctions via an armed maritime blockade.”
They further explained that such blockades represent a serious violation under the UN charter and are explicitly categorized as illegal acts of aggression according to the 1974 UN General AssemblyS Definition of Aggression. The deployment and threat of force both at sea and on land gravely endanger essential human rights, including the right to life-not only within Venezuelan borders but also in neighboring countries.
Rising Tensions and Human Toll Amid military Operations
The US has escalated its naval presence in Caribbean waters, intercepting Venezuelan oil tankers accused of breaching imposed sanctions. In recent months alone, American forces have launched multiple airstrikes targeting vessels alleged to be involved in narcotics trafficking-a charge firmly denied by Caracas.
This intensified campaign has led to over 120 deaths directly linked to these strikes.The UN specialists condemned these fatalities as violations of international human rights norms and demanded extensive investigations with accountability for those responsible.
Divergent Perspectives on Venezuela’s Alleged Activities
The previous US management accused Venezuela’s government-holder of one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves-of using its energy wealth to finance illicit operations such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, terrorism financing, and violent crime. on the other hand, Venezuelan officials reject all accusations related to narcotics trade and maintain that Washington’s true objective is regime change driven by control over their natural resources.
Urgent Appeals for Legislative Intervention and Global Accountability
The panel urged members of Congress to take decisive steps by halting further military interventions against venezuelan shipping lanes immediately and lifting all forms of blockade enforcement. Additionally,they called upon governments worldwide to adopt measures aimed at preventing ongoing violations connected with this conflict.
- Ben Saul: Special Rapporteur specializing in protecting human rights within counterterrorism frameworks;
- George Katrougalos: Expert focused on promoting democratic governance alongside fair global order;
- surya Deva: authority addressing advancement challenges impacting marginalized communities;
- Gina Romero: Specialist dedicated to safeguarding freedoms related to peaceful assembly and association.
The Wider Consequences: Threats beyond Venezuela’s Borders
This naval blockade jeopardizes not only fundamental freedoms inside Venezuela but also undermines stability across Latin America’s Caribbean corridor-a critical commercial artery supporting millions throughout several nations. Experts warn that continued militarized enforcement risks deepening humanitarian crises already worsened by economic sanctions imposed as 2019.
“The unlawful request or threat of force erodes peace initiatives while placing countless lives at risk,” remarked one expert involved in formulating this urgent appeal.
