Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on situation in Venezuela

September 9, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada unequivocally condemns the ongoing and escalating repression in Venezuela by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, particularly in the aftermath of the presidential elections. This has resulted in dozens of deaths and more than 2,000 arbitrary detentions, sometimes followed by the enforced disappearance of individuals—including more than 100 youth—who have participated in demonstrations.

“We also condemn the use of repressive tactics by the Venezuelan authorities to create a climate of fear and intimidation among the Venezuelan population, as well as the increase in persecution and harassment of dissenters, particularly against political leaders opposed to Maduro’s regime.

“Canada deplores the fact that the Venezuelan National Electoral Commission (CNE) has not published the official results and available vote tallies (actas) despite numerous calls from the international community.

“Canada is deeply concerned that Edmundo González Urrutia, who appears to have won the July 28, 2024, presidential election by a large majority, based on publicly available vote tallies, has been forced to leave the country. In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek refuge outside his or her homeland. This unacceptable turn of events underscores the urgent need for an environment in Venezuela where democratic engagement can flourish without fear of reprisal.

“A peaceful, negotiated and Venezuelan-led solution is needed to resolve this crisis. Canada continues to call for negotiations to ensure that the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the July 28 elections, is respected and a peaceful transition process is established. We are prepared to join voices at the Organization of American States (OAS) and with our partners to support this dialogue.

“Canada stands with Argentina and Brazil and condemns the revocation of the protected status of the Argentine embassy in Caracas, which currently holds team members of the opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was banned from running under false pretenses. Canada reminds the Venezuelan authorities of their obligation to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly with regard to the inviolability of diplomatic premises.

“Canada will work with the international community to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a critical role to play in addressing these grave injustices. The ICC’s ongoing investigation into Venezuela was opened based on an assessment that there are reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in Venezuela at least since April 2017, notably in the context of arbitrary detentions and killings related to protests.

“Canada has stood, and will continue to stand, by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society.”