Madam President,

On behalf of over 50 countries, we thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of her report.

We remain concerned regarding the human rights situation in Venezuela, which has largely contributed to the second largest migration and refugee crisis in the world.

Persistent restrictions on civic and democratic space, the deterioration of the rule of law and the lack of independence of the judicial system remain alarming.

We remain deeply concerned about attacks, reprisals, and acts of intimidation against civil society and political actors, as well as undue restrictions on their activities through the manipulation of legal and administrative processes.

We deplore that arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances continue to be reported as used in the country as tools of politically motivated repression.

We urge the Venezuelan authorities to genuinely cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner, to take steps towards the establishment of an OHCHR country presence, and to permit country visits by Special Procedures that have requested to do so.

A peaceful, democratic and negotiated resolution to the Venezuelan crisis is urgently needed. There will not be a longstanding solution without democracy, free and fair elections, separation of powers, human rights and the rule of law.

I thank you.