62nd Human Rights Council Session: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Ambassador Ioannis Ghikas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, made the following statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: 

"Greece aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his report.

We extend our solidarity to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake and express our sincere condolences to all those affected.

Serious human rights concerns persist in Venezuela. Greece remains deeply concerned by reports of repression against dissenting voices, restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, which undermine the possibility of free and effective participation of all political actors in public life.

Significant challenges also remain with regard to arbitrary detention and accountability. Greece encourages the Venezuelan authorities to take further steps towards the release of all persons detained for political reasons, to prevent arbitrary detention practices and to ensure that reforms are implemented in a sustainable manner and in full compliance with international human rights law. Accountability remains an indispensable element of any credible transitional justice process.

We take positive note of the release of a number of detainees, the issuance of visas to OHCHR staff and the adoption of a general amnesty law. We note the urgency of taking further steps in this direction and express the hope that this may help restore public trust, advance national reconciliation and pave the way towards a democratic future governed by the rule of law.

Thank you."