Australia thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for its report.

Australia continues to hold grave concerns about the human rights situation in Venezuela. We are particularly concerned by continued reports of restrictions to civic and democratic space, including arbitrary detention and acts of intimidation against protesters, journalists, non-government organisations and human rights defenders.

There has been a concerted attack on media freedom, with targeted content blocking online to restrict the flow of information to Venezuelans from independent news agencies. Media outlets also face the cancellation of operating licenses and seizure of property.

A free, independent, and pluralistic media is vital for democratic societies to make informed decisions and to hold authorities to account. The continuation of such acts is silencing critical voices and eroding civic space.

We ask how the international community can ensure Venezuela opens political debate and allows freedom of the press and the unfettered political participation of all Venezuelans?