UN experts condemn US blockade of Venezuela

A group of UN experts has strongly condemned the partial maritime blockade imposed by the United States on Venezuela, saying it violates fundamental principles of international law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the experts said the US has “no right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade.”

They argued that a blockade is a prohibited use of military force against another country, which is expressly recognized as illegal armed aggression by the UN.

The United States announced a “blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into, and out of, Venezuela” in December and deployed a large military force in the Caribbean near Venezuela.

The UN experts said the UN Charter grants the affected state the right to self-defense.

“It is such a serious use of force that it is also expressly recognized as illegal armed aggression under the General Assembly’s 1974 Definition of Aggression,” the experts said.

“As such, it is an armed attack under article 51 of the Charter – in principle giving the victim State a right of self-defense,” they said.

The experts warned that the unlawful use of force, along with threats of further military action at sea and on land, gravely endangers the right to life and other human rights in Venezuela and across the region.

The experts also condemned deadly US attacks on Venezuelan boats, which have killed more than 100 people, saying they amount to violations of the right to life and must be independently investigated.

“These killings amount to violations of the right to life. They must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. Meanwhile, the US Congress should intervene to prevent further attacks and lift the blockade,” the experts said.

They called on all states to urgently take all feasible measures to halt the blockade on Venezuela and the illegal killings, including through diplomatic protest.

Iran condemns US maritime blockade on Venezuela as ‘state piracy’

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the United States’ threats to unilaterally impose a maritime blockade on Venezuela.

“Collective action by States is essential to uphold international law,” the experts said. “Respect for the rule of law, sovereignty, non-use of force, non-intervention and the peaceful settlement of disputes are essential to preserving peace and stability worldwide.”

The US has deployed a significant naval force in the region and has recently intercepted Venezuelan oil tankers as part of a blockade. Washington says its actions are aimed at protecting US security interests and enforcing sanctions.

“There are serious concerns that the sanctions are unlawful, disproportionate and punitive under international law, and that they have seriously undermined the human rights of the Venezuelan people and the Sustainable Development Goals,” the experts said.

Responding to criticism at the council, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the United States would “do everything in its power to protect our hemisphere, our borders, and the American people.”

US President Donald Trump has accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to finance “narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murders, and kidnappings.”

Venezuela has denied any involvement in drug trafficking. It argues that the American pressure is aimed at removing President Nicolas Maduro to gain control of the country’s oil reserves, which are the largest in the world.

Venezuela denounces US for ‘greatest extortion in history’ as Russia, China mount criticism of Washington

Venezuela denounces the US for “extortion” at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, described US actions as an “act of aggression,” saying they violated fundamental principles of international law.

China’s representative, Sun Lei, said Beijing opposed “all acts of unilateralism and bullying” and supported countries defending their sovereignty and national dignity.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the US blockade on Venezuela, affirming its full and unwavering support for the constitutional President Maduro, the country’s revolution, and armed forces.

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