UN torture rapporteur condemns violations in Venezuela
Swiss lawyer Nils Melzer, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on torture, has demanded an “immediate, impartial and effective investigation” into all deaths during the ongoing protests in Venezuela. He is concerned by signs of systematic abuse.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Español
es
El relator de la ONU condena las violaciones en Venezuela
On Wednesday, the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said Venezuelan security forces, backed by pro-government militias, had quashed peaceful protests with excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, torture and executions.
The South American country was plunged into a political crisis in January when Juan Guaido, head of the opposition-controlled congress, invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Nicolas Maduro’s 2018 re-election was not legitimate.
On Thursday, Melzer and nine other independent expertsExternal link called on Maduro’s government to “respect and protect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to address the underlying causes for the demonstrations”.
“We are deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating economic, social and political situation in Venezuela and call upon the authorities to take urgent and immediate measures to address this complex crisis, with full respect for their international human rights obligations,” they said in a statement.
Crackdown
The experts said they had received credible indications of “systematic” and “pervasive” human rights violations during the Venezuelan authorities’ crackdown on protesters, journalists and human rights defenders.
Two months ago, more than 1,000 people, including minors, were reportedly detained arbitrarily following protests. Most were held for several days without access to their families or lawyers.
“We are particularly concerned about reports indicating that 26 people were killed by security forces and pro-government paramilitary groups while taking part in demonstrations between 22 and 25 January,” the experts said.
Maduro, a socialist who says he is the victim of an attempted US-led coup, retains the support of the armed forces and control of state functions.
More
More
UN torture rapporteur on the millions at risk
This content was published on
What’s it like to be the UN ‘Special Rapporteur’ on torture?
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Demonstrations in Swiss cities against Maduro
This content was published on
Several hundred people demonstrated in Swiss cities on Saturday, demanding Venezuelan President Maduro allow humanitarian aid into country.
Switzerland denies talks with Guaido over Venezuela assets
This content was published on
Switzerland denies a claim by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido that he spoke to the Swiss president about freezing bank accounts.
This content was published on
You may not know it, but there are quite a number of Swiss people working in important international positions. swissinfo.ch talks to four of them.
Seven million migrants tortured, claims Swiss UN expert
This content was published on
Nils Melzer, the UN special rapporteur on torture, estimates that at least seven million migrants around the world have been victims of torture.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.