UN Warns US Intervention in Venezuela Violates International Law, Undermines Global Security

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Tuesday strongly criticised the United States’ intervention in Venezuela, warning that such actions violate international law and risk making countries around the world less safe.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, chief spokesperson for the OHCHR, said the intervention sends a dangerous message to the international community. “It sends a signal that the powerful can do whatever they like,” she said, underscoring concerns about the erosion of international norms and legal safeguards designed to protect state sovereignty.

The UN rights office stressed that respect for international law is essential to maintaining global peace and security, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. According to the OHCHR, unilateral actions by powerful states weaken multilateral institutions and set precedents that could be used to justify similar interventions elsewhere.

The comments come amid growing international scrutiny of Washington’s role in recent developments in Venezuela, where political instability and economic crisis have already taken a severe toll on civilians. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that external military or political interventions often exacerbate humanitarian suffering rather than alleviate it.

The OHCHR reiterated that any actions affecting another country must be grounded in international law and carried out through multilateral processes. It also called on the global community to speak out clearly against violations, regardless of which country is responsible.

“The rules-based international order exists to protect everyone,” Shamdasani said, adding that selective adherence to these rules threatens not only targeted states but the safety and stability of the wider world.

The UN office urged all parties to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and respect for human rights, cautioning that the consequences of ignoring these principles could be far-reaching and long-lasting.