US intervention in Venezuela violates international law: UN
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The United Nations has strongly criticised the United States intervention in Venezuela, saying it violates international law and makes the world less safe.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued the statement on Tuesday following a US military operation that ousted and captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro over the weekend.
Maduro faces four criminal charges in the United States, including narco-terrorism.
Following his removal, Venezuela’s vice president was sworn in as interim president.
The UN human rights office said the operation undermined a core principle of international law, which prohibits states from using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another country. The office stressed that the international community must speak with one voice to uphold this principle.
Chief spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters that the intervention was not a victory for human rights. Instead, she said it damaged the global system of international security and made all countries less safe.
She added that the action sent a dangerous message that powerful nations could act without regard for international rules.
Shamdasani said the future of Venezuela must be decided solely by its people. She warned that increased instability and further militarisation would only worsen the human rights situation in the country.