IACHR issues follow-up and extension resolution about precautionary measures in favor of Delsa Solórzano in Venezuela

December 27, 2024

Washington, D.C. – On November 12, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Follow-up, Modification, and Extension Resolution 84/2024, concerning the situation of opposition leader Delsa Solórzano in Venezuela. Solórzano had been granted precautionary measures in 2019 (MC-967-19).

In this follow-up, modification, and extension resolution, the IACHR assessed the persistence of risks affecting Solórzano in Venezuela, and the fact that these risks increased both before and after the 2024 presidential election. She has suffered death threats, harassment, and constant tracking, all of which allegedly seek to hinder her political activities. The IACHR took into consideration the role the beneficiary has played as a woman in politics and a visible opposition activist in Venezuela, along with the repression of post-election protests in the country.

The IACHR also found that P.L.I.S. and certain identified members of Solórzano's team, who have supported her political campaign and her work, share the risks she faces. The IACHR therefore decided to extend precautionary measures in their favor.

The IACHR noted the State's failure to provide the information that had been requested and its failure to implement protection measures, which appear to leave the beneficiaries defenseless and vulnerable in Venezuela's current context.

After assessing the legal and factual allegations in this case, and in keeping with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR found that Delsa Jennifer Solórzano Bernal's rights continue to be at risk. The IACHR also decided to extend precautionary measures in favor of Jonathan Gerardi, Eliannys Vidoza, Axel Espinoza, Daniel Murolo, María Isabel Gudiño, Valentina Rodríguez, and P.L.I.S. The IACHR therefore asked Venezuela to take the following action:

(a)       Adopt any measures necessary to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of Delsa Jennifer Solórzano Bernal, P.L.I.S., and members of her team who are adequately identified in this resolution

(b)       Take any measures necessary, with a gender perspective, to ensure that the beneficiaries can engage in political activities without being subjected to threats, harassment, or any other acts of violence

(c)       Come to an agreement with the beneficiaries and their representatives concerning any measures that need to be taken

(d)       Report on any actions adopted to investigate the events that gave rise to the adoption of these precautionary measures, in order to prevent such events from happening again in the future

The IACHR is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 329/24

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