Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Organization of American States (OAS) has recently released a report by its independent expert panel, accusing the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolás Maduro of committing “forced disappearances” and carrying out “repression beyond borders” against those who have fled the country involuntarily.
Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is the subject of these allegations. His controversial re-election in 2024, according to the opposition, saw his candidate, exiled Edmundo González Urrutia, lose despite claims of victory. The OAS Secretary-General, Luis Almagro, has been a strong critic of Maduro’s regime and has called for the prosecution of those responsible for human rights violations in Venezuela.
OAS Panel’s Findings and Recommendations
The independent expert panel, led by Joanna Frivet, has confirmed 27 cases of forced disappearances, 28 assassinations, and 2,400 arrests—including 252 women and 162 children—in just nine days. Frivet warns of a “centralized repression” and the emergence of forced disappearances, stating that this situation echoes the darkest periods in Latin American history.
The panel emphasizes that the repression extends beyond Venezuela’s borders, targeting those who have fled the country. They have noted nighttime raids, home searches, roadblocks, digital surveillance tools created by the government to encourage citizens to inform on one another, and alarming expansion of repression against exiles.
This report comes at a time when the panel lacked witnesses due to fears of retaliation. Frivet’s emails have reportedly been hacked, with the hacker allegedly seeking her contacts. The panel urges the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants immediately for those responsible for these crimes.
ICC’s Current Situation
The ICC is currently facing turmoil as its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has temporarily stepped down from his role following an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct since November.
Panel members, including Manuel Ventura, have criticized the ICC’s slow working systems, emphasizing that a seven-year wait for justice is unacceptable.
Venezuela’s Withdrawal from the OAS
It is worth noting that Venezuela left the OAS in 2019, two years after formally requesting its departure. This move further complicates international efforts to address the human rights situation in the country.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the accusations? The Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro is accused of committing forced disappearances and repressing exiles.
- What evidence supports these claims? The OAS panel has confirmed 27 forced disappearance cases, 28 assassinations, and 2,400 arrests in a short period, including women and children.
- How has the ICC been affected? The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, is under investigation for alleged inappropriate conduct and has temporarily stepped down from his role.
- What is the significance of Venezuela leaving the OAS? Venezuela’s departure from the OAS in 2019 complicates international efforts to address human rights issues within the country.
