AI image - Midjourney
We did it! On 7 October 2022, the Human Rights Council renewed the vital mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Venezuela and the reporting mandate of OHCHR for another two years, with 19 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 23 abstentions.
ISHR, together with a coalition of Venezuelan and international organisations had campaigned for the renewal of the mandate, highlighting the importance of the FFM in investigating violations and its potential as a deterrent for further atrocities.
We will continue to support human rights defenders and organisations in Venezuela with their crucial work and collaboration with the Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the country.
Venezuelan and international civil society groups and defenders have welcomed this outcome, as both the Mission and OHCHR have proved effective at highlighting gross violations committed by the Maduro regime. Both bodies have ensured the attention of the international community has remained on Venezuela despite multiple global crises. The Mission has also provided victims of violations with the hope that perpetrators will be held to account.
We hope this renewal will put more pressure on the Maduro government and make it clear they will not escape accountability for their crimes.Clara Ramírez, interim director of FundaRedes
The FFM plays a key preventative role in making gross violations of civil and political rights visible.Wanda Cedeño, coordinator of Voto Joven
The beginning of a new year coincides with the appointment of a new President for the Human Rights Council. On 11 February, ISHR hosted a civil society reception to welcome the 2025 President, Swiss ambassador Jürg Lauber, providing an opportunity for civil society, human rights experts, supporters and diplomats to meet and discuss challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.
The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (24 February to 4 April 2025) will discuss the protection of human rights defenders, freedom of religion, human rights while countering terrorism, and rights to food and housing. It will also address grave human rights issues in countries like Nicaragua, Venezuela, China, Syria, South Sudan, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Eritrea, and the occupied Palestinian territory/Israel, amongst others. Here’s an overview of some of the key issues on the agenda.
The UN Human Rights Council is crucial for rights holders, victims, and human rights defenders, offering a platform to pressure for national change, expose violations, seek accountability, and gain support for their work towards a fair, equal, and sustainable world.
