IACHR Follows Up on and Extends Precautionary Measures for Members of PROVEA in Venezuela

April 30, 2024

Washington, DC—On April 29, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Extension and Follow-Up Resolution 26/2024 regarding the situation of members of the Venezuelan Program for Human Rights Education and Action (PROVEA) in Venezuela (MC-438-15).

In the resolution, the IACHR analyzed the ongoing risk experienced by the coordinators of PROVEA, who are beneficiaries of Resolutions 36/2015 and 63/2019. It also concluded that this risk extends to other people who are part of the organization, in a context of persecution of human rights defenders and those who publicly express their disagreement with the government.

The IACHR expressed particular concern that the threats were allegedly perpetrated by State agents in Venezuela. Despite the actions taken to obtain a response from the State, no recent information has been received indicating that the State has adopted protective measures in favor of the current beneficiaries. Despite the actions taken to obtain a response from the State, no recent information has been received indicating that the State has adopted protective measures in favor of the current beneficiaries.

Consequently, the IACHR decided to request that Venezuela:

1. take the necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of the individuals identified as members of the PROVEA team;
2. take the necessary measures to allow the beneficiaries to carry out their work as human rights defenders without being subjected to acts of violence, threats, and harassment;
3. agree on any measures to be taken with the beneficiaries and their representatives; and
4. report on the actions it implements to investigate the alleged events that led to the adoption of this precautionary measure so as to prevent them from being repeated.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 083/24

12:10 PM