Venezuela denounces systematic imposition of unilateral coercive measures before UN special rapporteur - MPPRE

Venezuela denounces systematic imposition of unilateral coercive measures before UN special rapporteur

The ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations (UN) based in Geneva, Jorge Valero, denounced this Tuesday the systematic imposition of unilateral coercive measures on sovereign states even though the multilateral organization has demanded their lifting to address the health crisis derived from COVID-19.

“Unilateral coercive measures are, in practice, weapons of mass destruction. A form of war where tanks, airplanes and bombs are replaced by bloody economic and financial blockades”, the Venezuelan diplomat warned during the interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on the repercussions of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Alena Douhan, in the framework of the 45th Ordinary Session of the Human Rights Council.

The permanent representative of Venezuela to the UN-Geneva recalled the calls of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, and the rapporteur Douhan for the end of unilateral sanctions.

“Venezuela joined the Rapporteur’s call for the governments that use unilateral coercive measures as foreign relations tools to withdraw them immediately, because they prevent the purchase of medicines, medical equipment, food, and other essential goods”, she said.

The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, has also requested the lifting of illegal sanctions that violate the Charter of the United Nations.

With unilateral coercive measures, Ambassador Valero warned, “it is intended to force other States to renounce their sovereign rights […] It is intended to impose political models with strategies for regime change.”