VENEZOLAANSE VLUCHTELINGEN

Date: February 11, 2024.

The Foundation for Venezuelan Refugees in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Stichting Venezolaanse Vluchtelingen) condemns the recent forced disappearance of the president of the NGO Control Ciudadano, the prominent human rights defender, lawyer Rocío San Miguel, at the hands of the authorities of the Nicolás Maduro Moros regime in Venezuela.

This action is another confirmation of state terrorism, designed to intimidate and silence those who dare to raise their voices against injustice and oppression. However, we want to make it clear that the message of intimidation that the Venezuelan authorities intend to send does not scare us. As a society committed to the defense of human rights, we categorically reject any attempt to restrict our freedom and dignity.

In the words of the Mexican poet Rosario Castellanos, "although they want us underground, they don't know that we are seeds." This attempt to sow fear and submission only strengthens our resolve to continue fighting for justice and freedom.

It is imperative that the Kingdom of Norway, in its capacity as mediator in the Venezuelan political conflict, speaks out forcefully in the face of this alarming situation. Their silence in the face of these human rights violations undermines mediation efforts and commitment to peace in Venezuela. We urge the Norwegian government to take a clear and firm position in defense of the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights.

The disappearance of Rocío San Miguel is just one more example of the systematic violation of human rights and political persecution that characterizes the regime of Nicolás Maduro Moros. This arbitrary act demonstrates the operation of a corrupt system that contravenes the principles established in the Rome Statute and represents an affront to human dignity.

We urge the international community to unite in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and demand the immediate end of repression, the release of political prisoners and political persecution in the country. It is time for us to raise our voices in defense of justice and freedom, and to unite in the fight for a world where human rights are respected and protected at all times and everywhere.