Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on Venezuela
Government of Norway
News story | Date: 30/08/2025
On this International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Norway expresses its solidarity and deep respect for the relatives of disappeared persons, as well as for the organizations, the human rights defenders and the lawyers who support these victims.
We echo the concerns of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances regarding disappearances associated with the elections in Venezuela, including so-called short-term disappearances committed during and around the July 2024 presidential election. We note that the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances reports that the number of "outstanding cases" in Venezuela has nearly doubled during their last reporting period. We are alarmed by the increased use of forced disappearances, alleged instances of excessive use of force against demonstrators by State agents and unlawful killings, among other violations.
We urge the Venezuelan government to comply with international law to prevent irreparable harm to victims, particularly in cases of enforced disappearance. The increased use of enforced disappearance as a weapon to silence members of the opposition, those perceived as such, pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders, is unacceptable. Political violence must cease immediately and the Venezuelan people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful political participation must be respected.
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