Resolution on the situation in Venezuela

2019/2730(RSP)

The European Parliament adopted by 455 votes to 85, with 105 abstentions, the resolution on the situation in Venezuela.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.

Between 2018 and 2019 the political, economic, institutional, social and multidimensional humanitarian crisis has significantly worsened with increased shortages of medicines and food, massive human rights violations, hyperinflation, political oppression, corruption and violence are endangering people’s lives and forcing them to flee the country.

It is estimated that more than 7 million people in Venezuela are in need of humanitarian assistance. The de facto Maduro government has violated the right to food, including the state’s obligation to ensure that the population is free from hunger.

Parliament reiterated its deep concern at the severe state of emergency in Venezuela, which is seriously endangering the lives of its citizens. It also reiterated its full support for legitimate interim President Juan Guaidó and for the National Assembly, which is Venezuela’s legitimate democratic body and whose powers need to be restored and respected, including the prerogatives and safety of its members. It condemned the revocation of the parliamentary immunity of 22 parliamentarians and the incarceration of two. It expressed its concern over the lack of legitimacy of the May 2018 presidential elections.

The resolution called for:

 

  • the establishment of an impartial and independent national mechanism, with the support of the international community, to investigate extrajudicial executions carried out during security operations so as to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and that the families of the victims are provided with redress and afforded protection against intimidation and reprisals;
  • the availability and accessibility of food, medicines and healthcare services to be guaranteed, while paying special attention to maternal and child services;
  • the de facto Venezuelan authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid is distributed to the entire population without any political bias;
  • the need to cease, publicly condemn, punish and prevent all acts of persecution and selective repression for political reasons; calls for the release of all persons arbitrarily deprived of their freedom;
  • the intimidation of and attacks against indigenous peoples, including leaders, to be stopped;
  • the Council to impose additional sanctions targeting the de facto state authorities responsible for human rights violations and repression and on the EU authorities to restrict the movements of the individuals concerned, and freeze their assets and visas, as well as those of their closest relatives;
  • the EU and its Member States to join the initiative of several ICC State Parties to investigate the crimes against humanity committed by the de facto Maduro government in order to hold those responsible to account.

Parliament drew attention to the increasingly serious migration crisis across the entire region and praises the efforts of and solidarity shown by neighbouring countries, especially Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It requested that the Commission continue to cooperate with these countries, not only by providing humanitarian assistance but also by providing more resources and through development policy.

Lastly, it reaffirmed that a peaceful, democratic and inclusive solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political impasse.