Human Rights Council 61^st Session
Interactive Dialogue with the FFM on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
12 March 2026

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.

We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for the oral update and reiterate our full support for its important work.

Despite recent signs of improvements, we remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Venezuela. Years of institutional erosion, economic collapse and humanitarian hardship have left millions in a situation of severe vulnerability.

The persistent lack of judicial independence continues to be a fundamental problem. While we welcome the adoption of a general amnesty law and the release of several political prisoners, we to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained.

Lifting restrictions on freedom of expression and association, including measures affecting non-governmental organisations, is essential to ensure that civil society can operate freely and safely.

We call on Venezuela to uphold its international human rights obligations and to guarantee full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We further urge the Government to engage constructively and cooperate fully with UN human rights mechanisms, including by granting full, safe and independent access throughout the country to the Fact-Finding Mission, and by facilitating the UN-led humanitarian response.

Thank you.