In a significant diplomatic development, the Venezuelan National Assembly has declared Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, persona non grata.
This decision came after recent criticisms from his office regarding the human rights situation in the country.
The Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s Office condemned Turk’s comments as a “new diplomatic attack,” following the release of a report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The report highlighted worsening conditions regarding fundamental freedoms in Venezuela, marking a continued deterioration in the human rights landscape.
The UN’s report stated that 70 individuals were arrested after the regional and parliamentary elections on May 25, 2025. Additionally, it mentioned cases of “forced disappearances” and allegations of “torture” and “ill-treatment” of detainees from 2024 onwards.
Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly and an ally of President Nicolás Maduro, called on the government to end all cooperation with Volker Turk and his office, labeling him as “unwanted” in the country. Rodríguez made the announcement before a vote in the assembly, asserting that Turk could only return “when he is no longer so repulsive, and when the High Commission can at least regain some rationality.”
Rodríguez further criticized the UN body for its silence on the issue of Venezuelan migrants who were deported from the United States to a high-security prison in El Salvador. He accused the UN of “turning a blind eye to horrific crimes.”
Expulsion of UN Human Rights Office Due to Support for Human Rights Lawyer
The decision to declare Turk persona non grata follows a pattern of escalating tensions between the Venezuelan government and the UN Human Rights Office. In February 2024, Venezuela expelled the UN human rights delegation from Caracas after the office expressed “deep concern” about the arrest of lawyer Rosío San Miguel, who specialized in military affairs. San Miguel faced charges of “terrorism” following his arrest.
In December 2024, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights resumed activities in Venezuela. However, the government’s hostility toward the office has remained palpable, especially after the contested 2024 presidential election, which was followed by protests and riots. According to authorities, 28 people were killed and 2,400 arrested during the unrest. Around 1,900 of those detained were released after the protests.
Opposition leaders have consistently claimed the election was fraudulent and argued that their candidate had won. As a result, they boycotted the May 2025 elections.
This ongoing clash highlights the volatile relationship between the Venezuelan government and international human rights bodies, with the government accusing these organizations of bias and interference.
