The United Nations warns of escalation in Venezuela and calls for dialogue
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern over the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, warning of the potential for the country to descend into extreme instability and chaos, following reports of a US military operation there. These warnings come at a time when Venezuela is experiencing a fragile political and economic situation, making any foreign military intervention a potential flashpoint that could ignite the entire region.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo before the Security Council, the United Nations issued a clear and direct appeal to all actors in the Venezuelan situation. DiCarlo stressed the urgent need for an inclusive and serious democratic dialogue that would allow all sectors of Venezuelan society the opportunity to determine their own destiny and shape the future of their country, based on full respect for human rights principles, the rule of law, and the free will of the Venezuelan people, free from external dictates.
Context of the crisis and its regional repercussions
These UN warnings take on particular significance given the complex historical and political context Venezuela has been experiencing for years. The country, which possesses the world's largest oil reserves, has long suffered from crippling economic crises and deep political divisions that have led to the emigration of millions of its citizens. International observers fear that any military action or escalation of violence will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, not only within Venezuela but also in neighboring countries hosting large numbers of refugees, thus threatening regional stability in Latin America.
In his message, the Secretary-General stressed the need for strict adherence to the rules of international law, explaining that the maintenance of international peace and security depends fundamentally on all member states complying with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and avoiding unilateral actions that could undermine the international order.
UN concern over foreign interference
For his part, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his deep concern about US intervention in Venezuelan affairs. Türk called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and fully respect the UN Charter and international human rights law, warning of the grave consequences that could result from the militarization of the political crisis.
In a related context, the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly stressed the sanctity of international charters, with Annalena Baerbock stating: “The United Nations Charter is not an option to be picked and chosen from, but rather the guiding and binding framework for all of us, whether in times of calm or during turbulent crises such as the current situation in Venezuela, which has reached a peak of tension with the recent military movements.”.
She referred to Article 2 of the UN Charter, which clearly states that all member states must refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. This reminder of the fundamental principles of the international organization comes as an attempt to curb escalation and to emphasize that diplomatic and political solutions are the only way to end conflicts and guarantee the stability and sovereignty of states.
