IACHR Reviews and Modifies Precautionary Measures Granted to Williams Dávila in Venezuela

August 14, 2024

Washington, D.C. — On August 14, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Follow-Up and Modification Resolution 49/2024 regarding the situation of Williams Dávila in Venezuela (MC-533-17).

In the resolution, the IACHR analyzed the ongoing nature of the situation of risk identified in 2017. The information presented by Williams Dávila's representatives reveals that he has continued to be the target of threats, persecution, intimidation, harassment, and aggression in the context of the systematic persecution of the political opposition in Venezuela. These actions were attributed to public officials and civilians who support the current Venezuelan government, who allegedly acted with the acquiescence of government authorities. The IACHR expressed its regret that the State has failed to provide information or implement protective measures, which exposed the beneficiary and placed him in a vulnerable position, given the context in Venezuela.

In August 2024, Williams Dávila's representatives reported that his whereabouts have been unknown since August 8, 2024, after State officials allegedly detained him. There has been no news of his whereabouts or state of health since. A report concerning his "forced disappearance" had been filed with the Public Prosecutor's Office, noting his state of health and the fact that he is an older person.

After analyzing the factual and legal allegations in the context of the repression of the post-electoral protests in Venezuela, the IACHR expressed particular concern over the ongoing risk the beneficiary has been exposed to since being granted precautionary measures and also over the lack of protective measures implemented by the State. This risk has increased following the beneficiary's disappearance on August 8, 2024, after he was allegedly arbitrarily detained by State agents in the Plaza de Los Palos Grandes in Caracas, Venezuela. The IACHR deems Williams Dávila's current situation to be part of a series of actions targeting him, with the aim of removing him from the public sphere. Therefore, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requests that the State of Venezuela

1. take the necessary measures to protect the right to life, personal integrity, and health of Williams Dávila;
2. take the necessary measures to ensure that the beneficiary can carry out his work as an opposition leader in Venezuela without being subjected to threats, harassment, or acts of violence;
3. provide information as to whether the beneficiary is in the custody of the State and of his circumstances, or of the measures being taken to ascertain his whereabouts or fate;
4. agree on any measures to be taken with the beneficiary and his representatives; and
5. report on the measures taken to investigate the alleged events that gave rise to the adoption of this precautionary measure to prevent them from being repeated.

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. 183/24

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