On Friday, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, made a significant call for the release of all political prisoners in Venezuela who have not yet been freed following an amnesty declaration. He noted that while some individuals who were arbitrarily detained have been released, it is crucial for the remaining political prisoners to be set free. His statements were made during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding the status of human rights within the country.

Türk emphasized the necessity for the state of emergency in Venezuela to be reviewed to ensure it respects civic space and human rights. He stressed that civil society organizations and victim groups should have a substantive role in public matters, urging the Venezuelan authorities to facilitate their participation. This underlines a broader issue of governance in Venezuela, where the opposition and civil society have historically faced significant restrictions.

The context of this request stems from the political climate in Venezuela, particularly after the National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, approved an Amnesty Law on February 19. While this law was intended to address cases dating back to 1999, its practical application has raised questions about the extent of political freedoms in the country. The ongoing scrutiny by international bodies like the UN signals a continued commitment to advocating for human rights and the safeguarding of democratic processes in Venezuela.