UIA Statement on the Recent Developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

“The protection of people in Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action”.

Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

The Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA – International Association of Lawyers) expresses its utmost concern following military intervention in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on 3 January 2026.

The UIA sustains that, notwithstanding the reiterative human rights violations and systemic breaches of the Rule of Law attributable to Venezuelan officials, including Mr. Nicolás Maduro, the preservation of a rule-based international legal order remains a priority. This order demands that all international actors operate under restraint and prudence in their pursuit of peace and security. Accordingly, the UIA demands strict adherence to international obligations, particularly the core principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Pursuant to Article 2 (4), Member States are categorically required to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign State.

The UIA furthermore echoes the concerns raised by several international organisations that the current developments may negatively affect accountability mechanisms and undermine victims’ abilities to obtain justice before competent, lawful and independent judicial authorities, eroding the international instances applicable under the current multilateral institutional framework.

The UIA calls upon the international community to stand for and encourage a peaceful, sustainable and effectively democratic solution to the crisis based upon the respect for the constitutional order, fundamental human rights and strict consistency with international law, respecting self-determination, the rule of law and prioritizing the interests and dignity of the Venezuelan people.

The UIA will continue to actively monitor the situation.