UN experts criticize US sanctions on Venezuela

Four UN human rights experts condemned the US partial naval blockade on Venezuela, calling it unlawful under international law. They stressed that the blockade violates the UN Charter, poses humanitarian risks, and undermines regional stability. The experts urged the US to end military actions and pursue diplomatic solutions.

On Wednesday, four United Nations human rights experts issued a forceful condemnation of the partial naval blockade that the United States has imposed on Venezuela, stating that it lacks any legal foundation under international law. The specialists, who focus on human rights matters, said in a joint statement that the United States has no legitimate right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed maritime restriction against another sovereign state. They described the measure as an unlawful use of force that runs counter to established global legal norms and obligations, including provisions of the United Nations Charter. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The experts highlighted that a naval blockade is normally prohibited under the UN Charter unless authorized by the UN Security Council or undertaken in self-defense. According to their statement, the actions now being carried out by the United States in the Caribbean, involving the deployment of significant military assets and operations that intercept and seize Venezuelan oil tankers, amount to a prohibited use of military force. They stressed that such a blockade constitutes illegal armed aggression as defined by longstanding UN standards. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The United States government has justified the naval measures by accusing the Venezuelan leadership of using the countrys oil revenues to finance criminal activities including narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murders and kidnappings. Venezuelan authorities have rejected these claims and deny that their nation is involved in any illicit trade or activities cited by Washington. Caracas has instead argued that the United States actions are aimed at destabilizing its government and seizing control of its extensive oil reserves. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The United Nations rights experts warned that the use of military force, combined with threats of additional operations at sea and on land, endangers the fundamental human right to life and other basic rights in Venezuela and across the broader region. In their collective view, these military measures pose significant humanitarian risks and undermine regional stability and peace. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

In addition to condemning the blockade itself, the experts pointed to reports of deadly strikes carried out by American forces against vessels near Venezuelan waters. According to reports, these operations have resulted in more than one hundred deaths. The specialists stated that these incidents amount to violations of the right to life and should be subject to independent investigation, with those responsible held to account. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The four human rights specialists urged the United States Congress to examine the legality and humanitarian consequences of the blockade. They called on the legislative body to intervene with the aim of preventing further attacks and lifting the maritime restrictions that have been imposed. The statement also urged all states to take steps to halt the blockade and to seek diplomatic and lawful means to resolve disputes rather than relying on coercive military tactics. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

The experts who signed the statement include specialists with mandates in areas such as countering terrorism while protecting human rights, promoting democratic and equitable international order, and safeguarding freedoms of peaceful assembly and association. They reinforced the importance of respecting international legal norms and pursuing dialogue and cooperation rather than unilateral actions that could violate state sovereignty and international law. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Sources:

• UN experts slam US blockade on Venezuela