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(CNN Spanish) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said that political tensions and acts of violence by the security forces and supporters of the Government against parliamentary assembly members continued since the last report which he presented at the end of February.
On Tuesday, presenting an update on the situation in Venezuela from Geneva, Bachelet expressed concern about the arrest of Venezuelan assembly members Gilber Caro and Ismael León. In addition, he said his office has documented attacks on political opponents, protesters and journalists "without preventive actions" by security forces to avoid them. He also reported that he continues to receive allegations of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence in Caracas.
Regarding the economic sanctions imposed on the country, she expressed concern that "they reduce the Government's resources for social expenses."
As a “mother and pediatrician” Bachelet made a special comment about the “urgent” situation of children who need transplants. He reported that there are 38 children on the waiting list in Venezuela and about six are still waiting for treatment in Argentina. "Some unfortunately lost their lives while waiting for a transplant." According to information received by his office, Bachelet said the sanctions make it difficult to transfer resources for treatment.
The High Commissioner cited a report from the UN Regional Platform that indicates that 4.9 million people left the country. "I am sure that the necessary political agreements can be reached for the renewal of the National Electoral Council and to ensure inclusive, transparent and credible elections," he said.
"I appreciate all efforts towards that purpose and I repeat my call to all parties to act with the high sense of purpose that the country deserves to avoid further escalation in the political confrontation that can lead to violence," he concluded.
In a statement published after the presentation of Bachelet, the Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela echoes the words of the high commissioner on sanctions and supports a democratic political process. However, the Venezuelan Government made no reference to the issue of human rights violations.
In a meeting held by Bachelet and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on February 26, the latter ratified “the will of the South American country to cooperate with all United Nations mechanisms on human rights, including its Office, thus reaffirming the position of the national government that assumes respect and protection of fundamental rights as a state policy ”.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the Venezuelan government "has repeatedly questioned the bias of the UN high commissioner regarding the situation in Venezuela."
Michelle Bachelet