The situation in Venezuela represents one of the biggest challenges to democracy and human rights in the Americas, with the Venezuelan security forces and armed pro-government groups responsible for grave human rights abuses and crimes against humanity. These abuses are further compounded by an absence of accountability. The UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela concluded in September 2021 that the country’s judicial institutions have been complicit in efforts to repress perceived political dissidents, and have routinely turned a blind eye to human rights violations. As the U.S. works to advance political negotiations between the authoritarian government of Nicolás Maduro and the country’s opposition, questions remain over whether these talks can help address Venezuela’s dysfunctional and co-opted judiciary. Recent judicial reforms announced by the government have been superficial and arbitrary, and only underscore the fact that a peaceful, democratic solution to Venezuela’s crisis will also require an end to impunity.
Please join the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) on Friday, May 27 at 12:00 p.m. EST for a conversation on the role of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, prospects for meaningful investigation, prosecutions and reform, and the need for the restoration of due process, judicial independence, and accountability in Venezuela. This virtual event will be hosted via Zoom and live-streamed on WOLA's YouTube page. Details below. |
