IACHR grants precautionary measures to Nélida Sánchez, the national coordinator of Súmate in Venezuela

September 7, 2024

Washington, D.C. - —On September 6, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 64/2024 granting precautionary measures to Nélida del Rosario Sánchez Oropeza in Venezuela after determining that she faces serious, urgent risk of irreparable harm to her rights.

According to the request, Nelida Sánchez, the national training coordinator of the NGO Súmate, was detained by agents of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) on August 26, 2024. On August 28, she was transferred to an undisclosed location. Concerns have been raised regarding her health, as she suffers from medical conditions requiring specialized care. No information has been provided on her health status or whether she is receiving the necessary medical attention.

As part of their search, her relatives visited the SEBIN headquarters in El Helicoide, Caracas, to inquire as to her whereabouts. SEBIN officials refused to provide any information in response to these efforts, and the authorities would not receive the complaint of enforced disappearance that her relatives attempted to file. The lack of response from the State has left the IACHR unable to evaluate any actions taken on her behalf.

After reviewing factual and legal allegations, the IACHR determined that Nélida Sánchez's rights to life and personal integrity are in serious danger, given that her location remains unknown. The IACHR also expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding her detention could be used to intimidate her and hinder her human rights work. As a result, in accordance with article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that the State of Venezuela:

1. take the necessary measures to safeguard the rights to life and personal integrity of Nélida del Rosario Sánchez Oropeza, specifically confirming whether she is in state custody, the conditions of her detention, and any actions taken to determine her whereabouts. If she has been charged with a crime, the State must clarify whether she has appeared before a competent court for a review of her detention. If no charges have been filed, the State must explain why she has not been released. The State must also report whether she has undergone a medical examination and provide the corresponding documentation;
2. take the necessary measures to ensure that the beneficiary can continue her human rights work without being subjected to threats, harassment, or violence; and
3. report on the steps taken to investigate the circumstances that led to the granting of these precautionary measures, with the aim of preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The granting of these precautionary measures and their implementation by the State does not constitute a decision on any petitions that may be filed with the inter-American system concerning violations of rights protected by the American Convention on Human Rights and other applicable instruments.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed 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. 210/24

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