UN Human Rights: María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize Reflects Venezuelans’ Hopes

The UN entity responsible for upholding fundamental rights congratulates the award winner, noting that the recognition reflects the Venezuelan people’s clear aspirations for free and fair elections, civil and political rights, and respect for the rule of law.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the decision of the Nobel Peace Prize committee to award the prize to María Corina Machado, recognizing her work promoting democratic aspirations in Venezuela.

“We congratulate María Corina Machado on being announced as the Nobel Peace Prize winner,” said the Office’s spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan.

“This recognition reflects the clear aspirations of the Venezuelan people for free and fair elections, civil and political rights, and respect for the rule of law. The High Commissioner has consistently expressed support for these values.”

The 58-year-old activist, who was barred from running in last year’s presidential elections, lives in hiding within Venezuela and was briefly detained after attending an opposition protest in January. She was released shortly after, reportedly due to international pressure.

Machado thanked the Nobel committee for the honor, stating that it was “the achievement of an entire society (…) I am just one person. I certainly don’t deserve this.”

Detained Opposition Members in Incommunicado Regime

Strong evidence of severe restrictions on civic freedoms in Venezuela has been documented in numerous reports mandated by the Human Rights Council.

Earlier this year, independent investigators reporting to the Council in Geneva urged authorities to end the practice of holding opposition politicians incommunicado.

They insisted that these “selective detentions” were illegal and constituted enforced disappearances, a serious human rights violation and potential international crime.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has also repeatedly expressed concern about alleged abuses in the Latin American country.

In December 2024, Türk denounced the “disproportionate use of force and violence” during post-electoral protests earlier in the year, “including by armed individuals supporting the government,” which resulted in at least 28 deaths.

In July, Venezuela’s National Assembly declared Türk and Office staff persona non grata, effectively blocking UN human rights work in the country.

Protecting the Rights of All Venezuelans

Addressing journalists in Geneva, Al-Kheetan emphasized that the Office seeks to maintain dialogue with the Venezuelan government and all stakeholders.

“We maintain a firm commitment to continue working to defend and protect the human rights of all Venezuelans, whether within or outside the country, always based on information and putting victims at the center of our work,” he said.

“The conclusion here is that we need more commitment from the authorities,” he added, lamenting that Venezuela’s National Assembly voted to declare the High Commissioner persona non grata.

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