UN Watch brought Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado to the floor of the U.N. Human Rights Council to speak on dictator Nicolás Maduro’s violent repression following his fraudulent election.
Full Remarks:
Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the experts of the Mission for presenting this valuable and urgent report. Unlike previous occasions, today I speak to you from a place of forced refuge.
After the overwhelming victory of democratic forces in the July 28th presidential elections the regime unleashed a brutal wave of repression through both civilian and military security forces as well as paramilitary groups.
They sought to annihilate the civic protests leading to hundreds of arrests including children who they accused of terrorism and women who were sexually abused. All of us who had direct responsibilities in defending the vote are now in hiding like myself; in exile, under asylum, or imprisoned.
Our President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia was forced into exile under terrible harassment and threats to his life. Therefore, today I ask the international community and this council the following:
1. Stand with the Venezuelans to ensure respect for the truth and the popular sovereignty expressed on July 28th.
2. Maintain constant attention and provide support to those who require asylum or the issuance of safe conducts.
3. Renew the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Venezuelan people need your support. Hear our call and enforce the mandate of the international norms that you protect. Thank you, Mr. President.
