UN Condemns US Intervention in Venezuela, Warns of Escalating Human Rights Crisis
The United Nations has sharply criticized recent US military action in Venezuela, asserting it undermines international law and exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation. A spokesperson for the High Commissioner stated the action has made “all States less safe around the world,” rejecting Washington’s justification based on the Venezuelan government’s human rights record.
International Law Violated, Security Architecture Damaged
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, a UN official insisted that accountability for human rights violations cannot be achieved through unilateral military intervention. “Far from being a victory for human rights, this military intervention, which is in contravention of Venezuelan sovereignty and the UN Charter, damages the architecture of international security,” the spokesperson stated, echoing concerns voiced by the Secretary-General.
The core principle at stake, according to the High Commissioner, is the prohibition against the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, as enshrined in international law and the UN Charter. This intervention, the UN argues, sets a dangerous precedent.
Human Rights Office Expelled, Abuses Continue
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, was expelled from Venezuela in February 2024 after consistently reporting on the deteriorating human rights situation. Independent investigations commissioned by the Human Rights Council have documented “grave and ongoing abuses” against opponents of the ruling party. Despite this, a UN representative emphasized that “the people of Venezuela deserve accountability through a fair victim-centred process,” adding that the rights of Venezuelans “have been violated for too long.”
Concerns are mounting that the US intervention and subsequent instability will lead to further militarization and a worsening of the human rights landscape. A state of emergency, declared Saturday, restricts freedom of movement, allows for the seizure of property, and suspends the rights to assembly and protest. “We’re particularly concerned, given the record that the Government has in suppressing free speech, protest, freedom of assembly, using the pretext of national security,” a spokesperson noted.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Beyond the political turmoil, the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to escalate. Nearly eight million people – one in four Venezuelans – currently require humanitarian assistance due to years of economic decline, repression, and instability. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, maintains a response plan requiring approximately $600 million in funding.
According to OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke, the political upheaval has not fundamentally altered the daily struggles of most Venezuelans. “The situation as it was immediately before [the US intervention] has continued until this day and that is the basis for our work on the humanitarian side going forward this year.” Approximately 900,000 individuals face “very high” multisectoral needs, lacking access to essential services like food, nutrition, education, and healthcare. Despite being one of the least-funded aid operations globally, the UN has managed to reach some two million people with assistance in 2025.
Refugee Flows and Regional Impact
The situation also remains precarious for the nearly 7.9 million Venezuelan refugees living outside the country, primarily in Latin American and Caribbean nations. While there has been no major displacement linked to the recent US military operation, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is closely monitoring the situation.
“Of course, we’re closely monitoring the situation and the border, cross-border movement and then we stand together with other UN agency and humanitarian partners to support the emergency relief effort and to protect the displace people in need as required,” said UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun. UNHCR is working to support the inclusion of Venezuelan refugees in host communities and foster stability and development.
The High Commissioner has called on the US and Venezuelan authorities, as well as the international community, to fully respect international law and human rights. The future of Venezuela, the UN insists, “must be determined by the Venezuelan people alone, with full respect for their human rights, including the right to self-determination, and sovereignty over their lives and their resources.”
