GENEVA - Covert action and threats of using armed force against the Government of Venezuela by the United States violate Venezuela's sovereignty and the UN Charter, UN experts* said today.
"These actions also violate the fundamental international obligations not to intervene in the domestic affairs or threaten to use armed force against another country," the experts said. "These moves are an extremely dangerous escalation with grave implications for peace and security in the Caribbean region."
They noted reports of a significant U.S. military buildup already under way in the Caribbean, and that the recent announcements by the President of the United States follow a series of lethal operations by U.S. forces targeting vessels off the Venezuelan coast, alleged to have been involved in narcotics trafficking.
"Even if such allegations were substantiated, the use of lethal force in international waters without proper legal basis violates the international law of the sea and amounts to extrajudicial executions," the experts said.
"Preparations for covert or direct military action against another sovereign State constitute an even graver breach of the UN Charter."
The U.S. President has listed the organised crime group Tren de Aragua (among others) as a "terrorist" organisation and alleged it is invading the US. UN experts have previously condemned these strikes as violations of international law, considering that these groups are not attacking the US and there is therefore no right of self-defence.
Article 2(4) of the Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. Any attempt to impose regime change by external means also infringes upon the right to self-determination, as recognised in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by the United States in 1992.
"The long history of external interventions in Latin America must not be repeated," the experts said. "The lessons from history must be learned and not repeated. The international community must stand firm in defending the rule of law, dialogue, and the peaceful settlement of disputes."
The experts urged the United States to cease unlawful attacks and threats, respect international law, and reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
They have been in contact with the Government of the United States regarding their concerns.
