The human rights situation in Venezuela remained a concern for the UK in 2016, in particular around continuing socioeconomic problems and high levels of violence. Inflation and shortages of food and medicines continued throughout 2016, as did high levels of protests and looting. In 2016, there were reports of deterioration of media freedom and access to information, as well as intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders. The Venezuelan Opposition and several civil society organisations accuse the Government of Venezuela of holding over 100 political prisoners including leading opposition figures. A local NGO estimated that the number of violent deaths nationwide in 2016 was around 28,000 (91.8 per 100,000 population).

On 13 September, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern at the decline of Venezuelans' economic and social rights, and at allegations of repression of opposition and civil society groups. In late October, 12 people disappeared and were subsequently discovered in mass graves by a government investigation, leading to the arrest of 11 army personnel accused of being involved.

Venezuela's ability to tackle human rights issues in 2016 was affected by the escalating political confrontation between the government and the Opposition-led National Assembly (NA). On 2 September, the Supreme Court ruled that all NA decisions taken since 28 July were unconstitutional. In addition, the Opposition attempted to secure a recall referendum against President Maduro, which would have brought forward Presidential elections. On 20 October, the National Electoral Council suspended the recall referendum process and announced the postponement of governorship elections; a decision that the Opposition contended was illegal. This polarisation continued despite political dialogue efforts supported by the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Holy See.

The UK carried out human rights activity in Venezuela in 2016 across Venezuelan society and with international partners. In addition to leading the local EU Working Group on Human Rights and Democracy from January to June, UK priorities in 2016 were focused on strengthening democratic institutions, opening space for civil society and human rights defenders, and work on tackling violence against women and girls. In September, the UK supported a statement at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), expressing concern at developments in Venezuela ahead of Venezuela's Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The UK's statement and recommendations during the UPR included calling on the Venezuelan Government and Opposition to engage in an outcome-focused dialogue, and requesting that Venezuela invite a representative from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit.

In 2017, the UK will continue to promote human rights and democracy in Venezuela, including gender equality and assessing the risks of modern slavery, against a background of political confrontation, security concerns and economic challenges. A major UK human rights focus in 2017 will be to support meaningful and results-oriented dialogue between political and social actors, aiming to help resolve Venezuela's challenges and improve the situation for ordinary Venezuelans.

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