In a display of international solidarity, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members Guyana and Suriname, alongside the Dominican Republic and 17 other nations, joined the European Union (EU) in urging for “wisdom and restraint” amidst the escalating crisis in Venezuela. The joint statement, issued from a meeting in Santo Domingo, highlighted grave concerns over the political turmoil following Venezuela’s disputed July 28 presidential election.
The coalition, which includes Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the United States, stressed the importance of respecting democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Venezuela. They particularly emphasized the right to peaceful assembly and free expression, lamenting the reported arbitrary detentions and violence against protesters.
The group called for the immediate release of detained Venezuelans, condemned the repression of protests, and demanded that Venezuelan authorities halt the violence. They also pressed for the return of the UN Human Rights Office to Venezuela and urged the government to honor international commitments, including providing safe passage to asylum seekers in the Argentinian embassy.
Additionally, the statement addressed concerns about the integrity of Venezuela’s electoral process, referencing a UN Expert Panel’s report that questioned the validity of the official results announced by the National Electoral Council (CNE). The countries demanded the publication of all electoral records and an independent verification of the results to ensure they reflect the true will of the Venezuelan people.
The statement also echoed the U.S. position, which recognized opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate winner based on independent tallies and exit polls. The G7 and the UN also expressed serious concerns about the electoral process and the subsequent human rights violations.
The Organization of American States (OAS) and Amnesty International have further condemned the Venezuelan government’s actions, calling for accountability and urging international intervention to address the ongoing crisis.
