Monday, September 23, 2024 

In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action Letter, addressed to the Attorney General of the Republic of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, the Union has urged for an immediate end to the mass detentions of Venezuelan citizens for exercising their right to peaceful protest and release all individuals unjustly arrested. 

“As student advocates, it is important that we stand with those whose voices are being silenced” says TRUSU’s Equity Member at Large, Samantha Jo Haire. 

Since July 29th, 2024, over 2,000 Venezuelan citizens have been arbitrarily arrested for exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly, a right protected in both the Venezuelan Constitution and international human rights treaties. These arrests came in response to widespread protests government policies and as a result worsened the humanitarian crisis in the country. Among those detained are more than 105 minors, aged 13 to 17, and at least 16 individuals with disabilities. There groups are especially vulnerable to abuses such as torture, inhumane treatment, and denial of medical care while in custody; all of which has been reported by human rights organizations to have occurred while imprisoned. 

In many cases, detainees are held without formal charges, subjected to expedited trials, or denied access to legal representation and fair judicial processes. This issue is not just a national crisis; it has significant global implications. The Venezuelan government’s actions violate internationally recognized human rights, including those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Venezuela is a party. 

“Essential human rights are under attack and it is officials like the attorney General that have the power to make a difference”, says Haire.  

We await a response from the Attorney General on this urgent matter. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.