Mercedes Ramirez C

Today at the Permanent Council, I reaffirmed that the situation of persons deprived of liberty for political reasons in Venezuela remains a human rights concern and a regional urgency. Repression and political persecution cannot be tolerated in our hemisphere. We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of all political prisoners and support greater transparency, accountability, and democratic guarantees for the Venezuelan people. The OAS stands ready to support dialogue, democratic institutions, and a peaceful, Venezuelan-led path toward stability, reconciliation, and prosperity. A stable and democratic Venezuela is essential not only for its citizens, but for the stability and well-being of the entire hemisphere. We call on all actors to engage constructively, uphold democratic principles, and work together toward a future grounded in human rights, representative democracy, and lasting peace.