When states grant themselves the right to remove governments by force without legal mandate, there is a risk of creating a world in which military power takes precedence over the law. The actions of the United States set a dangerous precedent that undermines the safety of citizens worldwide.
It is abundantly clear that the American attack is largely motivated by economic considerations. President Trump has stated this himself. The US wants to profit from, among other things, the country’s large oil reserves. Economic and geopolitical interests are driving the US, not the protection of Venezuelan citizens.
The Netherlands and Europe must clearly condemn this attack. Respecting and defending international law is not an abstract position, but a concrete condition for protecting citizens worldwide against arbitrariness and violence. Without this system, established in the aftermath of the Second World War, there is no end in sight. Then the international legal order that is supposed to prevent war will die.
Venezuela’s authoritarian and repressive government does not deserve support. For years, fundamental rights have been violated, elections manipulated and political opposition suppressed. Many Venezuelans therefore hope for political change and a future with more freedom and democracy. However, the fact that President Maduro is an authoritarian leader and responsible for serious domestic human rights violations does not justify this violation of the international legal order. There are other, peaceful means of combating human rights violations.
What is happening in Venezuela?
We recently spoke with human rights lawyer E.M.F. about the structural violations of human rights and their impact on the daily lives of Venezuelan citizens.
