UN says US and EU sanctions against Venezuela led to humanitarian crisis
Unilateral sanctions of the United States and the European Union against Venezuela have affected the entire population of the country and led to an economic and humanitarian crisis
It was stated by the UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights, Elena Dovgan, in a published statement.
She called on those who had imposed sanctions against Caracas, including the United States and the European Union, to lift them. The Special Rapporteur recalled that only sanctions imposed by a decision of the UN Security Council or as retaliatory measures can be considered legitimate. Moreover, restrictions must not be imposed in breach of a state’s obligations or in contravention of fundamental human rights.
Following her two-week visit to Venezuela, Dovgan said that “sanctions have exacerbated previous disasters” and led to “an economic, humanitarian and development crisis with disastrous consequences for the Venezuelan population. In doing so, those in extreme need, including children, women and people with chronic illnesses, have been particularly affected. According to the Special Rapporteur, the exemptions for humanitarian supplies in the sanctions measures involve lengthy procedures and costs.
She drew attention to the lack of “essential machines, spare parts, electricity, water, fuel, gas, food and medicines” in Venezuela, as well as the growing shortage of skilled workers, particularly “medical personnel, engineers, doctors, teachers, higher education teachers, judges and police officers”. This situation has a “huge impact on all categories of human rights, including the right to life, food, health and development”.
UN says US and EU sanctions against Venezuela led to humanitarian crisis