Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela.
“We have long been clear that Nicolás Maduro’s claim to power lacks legitimacy. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has still failed to publish the full results of the July 2024 Presidential elections after 18 months. Independent domestic and international reports observed significant irregularities and a lack of transparency.
Meanwhile, political freedoms in Venezuela remain severely restricted. The human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Its political and judicial systems continue to erode.
We remain deeply concerned about ongoing repression in Venezuela, and the everyday struggles of Venezuelans. This includes extreme levels of poverty and failing basic services, which are precipitating a displacement crisis affecting the whole region.
The United Kingdom stands firmly with the people of Venezuela in their pursuit of a democratic future. The voices of all Venezuelans need to be heard; they deserve a government which reflects their will at the ballot box.
We will continue to work to achieve a peaceful, negotiated transition in Venezuela which ensures that the will of all Venezuelans is respected.
As we said in October, drug trafficking and organised crime continue to endanger communities across the globe, undermining stability and putting our shared security at risk.
We will continue to work with partners in Latin America and elsewhere to tackle this issue and address challenges. The United Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
“We believe these foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security, and the rule of law. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is the cornerstone of international law on ocean-related issues. The United Kingdom will always support international law and the upholding of it. We continue to monitor this situation closely.”
