GENEVA (29 January 2021) – The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and unilateral coercive measures, Ms. Alena Douhan, will visit Venezuela from 1 to 12 February to assess the impact of unilateral sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights. “I want to examine, in the spirit of co-operation and dialogue, whether and to what extent the adoption, maintenance or implementation of sanctions hinders the full realization of the human rights of individuals,” said Douhan. “I will focus in particular on any negative impact that sanctions may have on the enjoyment of all human rights in Venezuela,” she said. “I will also make recommendations on how any negative effects can be mitigated or eliminated.” Douhan plans to meet senior government officials, members of parliament and of the judiciary, representatives of international organisations, the diplomatic community, civil society, political parties, including opposition, and national human rights mechanism, lawyers, academics, activists, victims and their families. The UN Human Rights Council established the Special Rapporteur’s mandate in September 2014, following concern by the UN human rights system and the international community about the negative impact of unilateral sanctions on the human rights of the civilian population. This has become even more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Douhan will share her preliminary observations at a news conference on 12 February 2021, at 1400 local time, at the Hotel Renaissance Caracas La Castellana, Ave Eugenio Mendoza, Con Calle Urdaneta, in Caracas. Access will be strictly limited to journalists. The Special Rapporteur will present her final report to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2021. ENDS