OUR PERSPECTIVES over 200 Venezuelan after requested asylum in Iceland, they decided to return.

We, NGO Venezolaanse Vluchtelingen in the Netherlands, an organization committed to the defense and promotion of human rights, freedom and justice especially focused on Venezuelans, express deep concern regarding the situation surrounding a group of around 200 Venezuelan citizens who, having requested asylum in Iceland, they chose to return to Venezuela.

We understand that each individual has the fundamental right to seek refuge and safety, especially when fleeing adverse conditions in their country of origin, as is the case in Venezuela, but it is quite difficult to understand why people who have supposedly escaped critical situations in Venezuela, in search of freedom and security, once again makes the decision to return.

There has been knowledge of an alleged agreement with the Icelandic government that implied financial support for those who chose a voluntary return and collaborated with their reestablishment in Venezuela through the program sponsored by the Chavista regime "Plan Return to the Homeland."

We strongly repudiate any form of economic coercion or political pressure that has influenced the decision of these Venezuelan citizens. Life and liberty are inalienable rights that must prevail over any economic incentive.

Furthermore, in the last 24 hours we have received complaints about mistreatment and adverse conditions experienced by these Venezuelans immediately upon arriving in Venezuela by the authorities of the Venezuelan regime. We reject any form of violence, discrimination or inhuman treatment towards those who sought refuge and asylum but who for some reason return to Venezuela.

Our organization reiterates its commitment to providing support to all victims of the regime in Venezuela, making their stories visible and advocating for their fundamental rights. However, we cannot support or understand the decision of those who, motivated by economic incentives, choose to return to an environment they originally sought to escape.

In this sense, we call on the international community, the governments involved and human rights organizations to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of these Venezuelan citizens.

We reaffirm our conviction that life and liberty are supreme values that must prevail over any economic considerations, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure respect for human rights in all parts of the world, and we are willing to extend a helping hand to those who They have to leave the country again.

Netherlands, November 16, 2023.