Four United Nations human rights experts have condemned a partial naval blockade imposed by the United States on Venezuela, describing the action as illegal armed aggression under international law.
In a joint statement issued in Geneva, the experts said the blockade violates the United Nations Charter and called on the U.S. Congress to intervene to halt further military actions.
The United States has deployed significant naval and air forces in the Caribbean and has intercepted oil tankers as part of efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan vessels.
The experts stated, "There is no right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade."
They emphasized that such measures exceed permissible enforcement actions and amount to prohibited uses of military force against another state.
According to the experts, a naval blockade constitutes a grave violation under international law and is explicitly defined as illegal armed aggression in the United Nations General Assembly’s 1974 Definition of Aggression.
They noted that such actions qualify as an armed attack under Article 51 of the UN Charter, potentially granting Venezuela the right to self-defense.
The statement further warned that threats and uses of force at sea and on land endanger fundamental human rights, including the right to life, both in Venezuela and across the wider region.
Since September, U.S. forces have carried out dozens of air strikes on boats alleged to be involved in drug trafficking.
Washington has not publicly provided evidence to support these allegations.
The experts reported that more than 100 people have been killed during these operations.
The UN experts said the reported deaths raise serious human rights concerns and require independent investigation.
“These killings amount to violations of the right to life. They must be investigated and those responsible held accountable,” the statement said.
They urged the U.S. Congress to take immediate steps to prevent further attacks and to lift the blockade.
The experts also called on other countries to take measures to stop what they described as illegal actions and to ensure accountability for any violations.
The statement was signed by Ben Saul, George Katrougalos, Surya Deva, and Gina Romero, all independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council.
They clarified that their views do not represent the United Nations itself.
Separately, Venezuela requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, accusing Washington of severe coercive practices.