The 17 organizations warn that the more than 110 detained adolescents have not been able to have contact with their parents or with human rights activists. In addition, there is no information about their legal status or the physical conditions in which they are held.
Some 17 organizations and specialists defending children’s rights in Latin America and the Caribbean expressed this Friday, August 9, “deep concern about the negative impact of the political crisis in Venezuela on children, adolescents and youth.”
“The recent post-election protests have revealed an alarming pattern of repression and human rights violations that particularly affect children, adolescents and young people, who are in a critically vulnerable situation,” the statement said.
The organizations point out that the Venezuelan State has once again resorted to “violent and systematic repression through security agencies and, in some cases, the presence of irregular armed groups, which have participated in violent acts against demonstrations, has been documented in the media.”
*Read also: Amnesty: The gravity of crimes in Venezuela demands action from the ICC prosecutor
Penal Forum reported as of August 9, 2024 at least 114 teenagers arrested.
The statement warns that these teenagers have not been able to have contact with their parents or human rights activists. In addition, there is no information about their legal status or physical condition.
“They are not allowed private defense and remain detained in police stations, where they are presumed to be with adults.. There is a delay in the presentation in courts, exceeding the 24-hour periodestablished in national law and in all known cases the charge of the crime of terrorism has been made,” they warn.
The organizations describe this as “direct violations of the best interests of the child and local laws.” “These acts of violence and repression contravene the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which establishes the right of children to be treated with dignity and respect, and to due process.”
Finally, they noted that it is urgent to facilitate the verification of the disturbing reports of extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances and torture, which require an immediate and forceful response from the international community and human rights protection mechanisms.
“No government can fail to fulfil its legal obligations to protect children by citing ideological issues or geopolitical conspiracies,” the statement said.
They also called for the release of all detained adolescents whose participation and responsibility in the commission of crimes cannot be proven, ensuring that their rights to due process are respected and that they receive treatment in accordance with international standards of juvenile justice. Especially that they are separated from adult spaces at all times.
Signed by: Marta Santos Pais, former Special Representative on Violence against Children, Norberto Liwski, former Vice President of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, Jorge Cardona, former member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, Esmeralda Arosemena, former IACHR rapporteur, Emilio Álvarez Icaza, Senator of Mexico, Weaving Networks Childhood in Latin America and the Caribbean, Federation of the Social Movement for the Defense of Children’s Rights, Adolescence National Movement of Girls, Boys and Adolescents of Ecuador.
Also the Argentine Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CASACIDN, Argentina SOS Children’s Villages, Mexico Comunalia, Alliance of Community Foundations of Mexico Defense of Girls and Boys – International, DNI Costa Rica, Youth of Ecuador
Funcocim Foundation, Metropolitan Autonomous University, UAM Xochimilco, Mexico
Peace and Hope, Regional Center for Human Rights and Gender Justice – Humanas Corporation, Civilis Human Rights, Comprehensive Human Rights in Action (DHIA), Asylum Access Mexico (AAMX) and La CID.
Post Views: 338
