DZWatch Exclusive: United Nations experts have strongly condemned the United States’ naval blockade of Venezuela, labeling it a violation of international law and an act of aggression.
Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council issued a statement Wednesday criticizing the US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, which began in August. The US Navy has been targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, operations that have reportedly resulted in over 100 deaths.
Furthermore, US forces have seized oil tankers under the pretext of enforcing sanctions imposed by the US government. The experts, who do not speak on behalf of the United Nations, asserted that the blockade constitutes an “unlawful armed aggression.”
“There is no right to impose unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade,” the statement emphasized. Targeting oil tankers subject to US sanctions represents a “prohibited use of military force” against another state, in accordance with Article 2 of the UN Charter.
The experts argue this action constitutes a grave violation, explicitly recognized as unlawful armed aggression under the definition adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1974. This, in principle, grants the targeted nation the right to self-defense.
This condemnation follows accusations made by the United States in November, which implicated Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro, in alleged involvement with the so-called “Cartel of the Suns,” an organization Washington claims is involved in drug trafficking. However, several experts suggest the existence of this organization remains unproven, pointing instead to potential corruption networks engaged in illicit activities.
To date, the US has seized two oil tankers suspected of transporting Venezuelan crude oil. The UN experts stated that available information indicates that none of the individuals killed posed an immediate threat justifying the use of lethal force.
The experts concluded that these operations represent a “violation of the right to life” and must be investigated, with those responsible held accountable. They called on the US Congress to intervene and halt the blockade.
