Press briefing note on Venezuela/Colombia

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Ravina Shamdasani
Location:   Geneva
Date: 28 August 2015
Subjects:  Venezuela / Colombia

We are concerned about the situation at the border between Colombia and Venezuela, particularly with reports of human rights violations occurring in the context of deportations of Colombians. We are also concerned about the declaration of a “state of emergency” in six border municipalities, in the Táchira State in Venezuela.

We call on the authorities in both countries to ensure that the situation is resolved through calm discussion and dialogue, firmly grounded in their obligations under international human rights law and international refugee law. We urge the Venezuelan authorities to ensure that the human rights of all affected individuals are fully respected, particularly in the context of any deportations. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and stand ready to engage with and advise the Venezuelan and Colombian authorities.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org) or  Rupert Colville  (+41 22 917 9767 /rcolville@ohchr.org).