UN Chief Expresses Regret Over Venezuela's Move

2025-07-03 05:25:17

(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced disappointment on Wednesday following Venezuela’s resolution to label UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and his colleagues as "persona non grata."

This designation signifies that they are no longer welcome in the country.

In a statement delivered through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said, "The Secretary-General regrets the statements made by Venezuelan officials against United Nations representatives, particularly the decision to declare the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and his staff ‘persona non grata.’"

The message conveyed concern over the Venezuelan leadership’s tone and actions toward UN personnel.

As of now, the United Nations has not been formally notified by Venezuelan officials regarding the expulsion, according to the same statement.

The lack of direct confirmation leaves the UN awaiting further developments.

Guterres reaffirmed his "full confidence" in Türk and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stressing the critical role of sustained collaboration within Venezuela.

He reiterated the UN’s dedication to assisting the nation, stating that he "reasserts the commitment of the United Nations to continue working with the government for the benefit of the most vulnerable people in Venezuela and abroad."

The Secretary-General also called on Venezuelan authorities "to uphold their obligations under international law."

He expressed increasing concern over ongoing developments, highlighting "he is deeply concerned about reports of the arbitrary detention of opposition figures, human rights defenders, journalists and foreign nationals."

Finally, Guterres stressed the necessity of OHCHR’s presence in Venezuela, remarking that their mission "remains vital."

This situation has drawn attention from multiple international bodies and raised alarms regarding human rights protections in the country.

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