We thank the High Commissioner for his oral update on the human rights situation in Venezuela, and note the invaluable work being done by the Fact-Finding Mission.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the continued suppression and criminalisation of opposing political views and independent civil society organisations in Venezuela. Venezuela is using repression and effective control over key institutions, to silence critics and further undermine freedom of expression and association.

Australia urges all parties to make meaningful progress in negotiations, with the aim of creating the conditions for free and fair elections in 2024.

We also call for the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of association.

Given the continued suppression of political opposition, we ask the High Commissioner: how can the international community best work for Venezuela’s opening political debate and allowing the free and unconstrained political participation of all Venezuelans?