US Military Action in Venezuela Condemned as Illegal, Amidst Ongoing Human Rights Concerns
CARACAS, Venezuela – A recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela has drawn sharp criticism from Amnesty International, which labeled it a violation of international law and an act of aggression. The condemnation comes as the organization also highlights the continued human rights abuses perpetrated by Venezuelan authorities against their own people.
The January 3rd operation, details of which remain partially obscured, involved what the U.S. government initially described as a counter-narcotics operation. However, President Trump subsequently indicated a broader interest in controlling Venezuela’s resources and exerting influence over its policies. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard stated the action “constitutes a clear violation of the UN Charter” and risks encouraging similar unlawful actions by other nations.
“It is an act of aggression that endangers civilians and tears apart the guardrails of international law,” Callamard said in a statement. “Not only was the Trump administration’s use of force illegal, but it could herald similar future actions by the USA.”
The operation has sparked concerns about a potential shift towards a “might-makes-right” approach to foreign policy, with President Trump openly threatening military action against other countries, including Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Iran, and Mexico. This behavior, coupled with China’s actions towards Taiwan and Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, is fueling fears of a dismantling of the international rules-based order.
International Law Violated
Experts point to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The operation, involving bombardments and attacks on Venezuelan armed forces, appears to directly contravene this principle. Resolution 3314 of the UN General Assembly defines aggression, and Amnesty International argues the U.S. action meets the criteria outlined within it.
“No label can convert a bombardment into ‘law enforcement.’ The facts, not political rhetoric, determine the applicable law,” Callamard emphasized.
The Inter-American Juridical Committee has affirmed that, for member states of the Organization of American States, the only exceptions to the prohibition on the use of force are self-defense and authorization from the UN Security Council. Neither condition was met in this instance.
Venezuela’s Internal Repression Continues
While condemning the U.S. action, Amnesty International simultaneously reiterated its concerns about the long-standing human rights crisis within Venezuela. For over a decade, the organization has documented systematic repression under the Maduro and now the Rodríguez governments, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and torture.
In 2019, Amnesty International determined that crimes against humanity had been committed in Venezuela since at least 2014. Despite recent prisoner releases and the announcement of an amnesty law by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, the organization warns that these steps are insufficient without guarantees of non-repetition, including legal reforms and the dismantling of repressive state apparatuses.
“Impunity for the crimes against humanity committed by Venezuelan authorities…is so far continuing,” Callamard stated. “Even as prisoners are being released, no meaningful steps toward justice…have been taken.”
Concerns remain about the continued risk faced by human rights defenders and journalists, with reports of ongoing surveillance and intimidation. The closure of the El Helicoide detention facility, notorious for its human rights abuses, is seen as a symbolic gesture, as numerous other facilities across the country continue to be used for politically motivated detentions.
ICC Investigation and the Path Forward
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation into Venezuela in 2021, finding a “reasonable basis to conclude” that crimes against humanity had been committed. The investigation is ongoing despite attempts by Venezuelan authorities to halt it. Amnesty International urges the ICC to expedite its work and issue arrest warrants when evidence warrants.
“Venezuelan victims have a right to truth, justice, and reparation,” Callamard said. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
However, the U.S. military action, she added, “currently make the prospect of any potential justice proceedings concerning Nicolás Maduro much more challenging and complex.”
Amnesty International is calling on all states to reaffirm the primacy of the UN Charter and reject the normalization of unilateral uses of force. The organization also urges the U.S. to cease any further military action against Venezuela and to investigate allegations of unlawful killings. The Venezuelan authorities, in turn, must end the systematic repression of their own citizens and ensure accountability for past abuses.
The situation in Venezuela underscores the fragility of the international rules-based order and the urgent need for a renewed commitment to human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The world is watching, and the consequences of inaction could be far-reaching.
