IACHR reaffirms its authority over Venezuela and seeks approval for an on-site visit

September 16, 2025

Washington, DC—In line with the decision concerning the Chirinos Salamanca case issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IA Court) on August 21, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reaffirms its mandate with respect to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

In the ruling, the IA Court found that Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the American Convention on Human Rights in 2012 was invalid on grounds that included the lack of a democratic context in the country. The IA Court also determined that the Venezuelan National Assembly's ratification of the convention in 2019 reaffirmed Venezuela's binding international obligations.

The IACHR deemed it crucial to bring this case before the IA Court, both to respond to victims' legitimate demands for justice and strengthen the rule of law within the inter-American system. In response to the IA Court's decision, the IACHR reiterated its competence to monitor the human rights situation in Venezuela, to receive and process petitions and cases, and to grant precautionary measures. The IACHR also wishes to inform the international community that it has requested authorization to carry out an on-site visit in the final quarter of 2025, with the aim of directly observing the human rights situation in the country, particularly the conditions of people held at the Helicoide detention center (Metropolitan Caracas Detention Center for Defendants and Convicted Prisoners).

The institutions responsible for promoting and protecting democracy and human rights in Venezuela lack independence and instead serve as instruments of state repression aimed at preserving an authoritarian regime. The IACHR once again expresses its unwavering commitment to victims of human rights violations and the Venezuelan people as they strive to restore democracy and the rule of law in their country.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 185/25

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