Misereor calls on the German government to clearly criticise the actions of the USA as a violation of international law in order to uphold the principles of the international legal order. The massive human rights violations committed by President Nicolás Maduro and his government in no way justify the actions of the USA. Nicolás Maduro should be tried at the International Criminal Court, which had already begun investigating alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela. In view of the uncertainty and the various possible scenarios, the existing civil society forces must now be involved with all their might and the democratic processes strengthened in order to give expression and strength to the will of the people in Venezuela.
"Geopolitically, this attack, which violates international law - just like Russia's attack on Ukraine - must be seen as a further significant weakening of international law and the United Nations. These have been the yardstick and basis for international relations since the Second World War. The behaviour of the USA is an open demonstration of colonial supremacy principles," explains Misereor's Managing Director Andreas Frick. The claim to govern the country in a new alliance with the leadership of the old regime disregards the democratic will of the Venezuelan people with the clear election result of 28 July 2024 in favour of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, according to Frick. "The USA is not acting in the interests of democracy and human rights in Venezuela, but solely in its own interests of geopolitical and economic supremacy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
German government must stand up for democratic processes
In view of the uncertainties of the current and future balance of power, the population in Venezuela is extremely insecure. Their everyday lives have been shaped by years of economic crisis, institutional decay, flight and migration, criminal networks and political polarisation. "People want dignity, freedom and the recognition of their human rights. This would also mean the release of all political prisoners and the return and freedom of human rights activists. Germany and Europe must therefore engage in talks with the USA to promote peaceful and democratic processes in Venezuela that could lead to a legitimised political reorganisation and reconstruction of the country," said Frick.
Misereor is currently financing projects with a volume of almost 1.2 million in Venezuela to promote democracy, human rights, civil society and food security.
