The heads of the World Council of Churches have expressed their “growing concern” over the political situation in Venezuela and called for the nation’s government to protect the human rights of all its citizens.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary, and Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the central commitee, the WCC also called for the Venezuelan Government to respect the integrity of the country’s constitution and democratic institutions, to cease killing and detaining peaceful protestors and to “create space for dialogue and to seek a peaceful solution to the political impasse in Venezuela”.
The country is facing gravely deteriorating economic conditions, leaving many without basic necessities and resulting in millions fleeing the nation. Last month opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president arguing that the re-election of incumbent Nicolas Maduro last year was a sham. Many countries, including US, UK and many European and Latin American countries, have recognised Guaido as interim leader but Maduro still has the backing of China and Russia as well as the Venezuelan military.
Humanitarian aid, much of it sent by the US, has been stopped at the border with Colombia after a blockade by forces loyal to Maduro but Guaido has promised it will enter the country later this month.
In its statement, the WCC’s leaders urged the country’s political leaders “to put the lives and livelihoods of the Venezuelan people before their own interests, and to avoid escalation of tensions and violence by rash words or actions”.
“The consequences of failing to do so will inevitably lead to much greater human suffering, and a deeper rift in the social and political fabric of the country and region,” they said.
“The WCC calls on the neighbouring countries and members of the international community to avoid political misuse of urgently-needed humanitarian support for the people of Venezuela, both inside and outside its borders, and to refrain from threats of military intervention. We call upon WCC member churches around the world to continue to pray for wisdom, peace, justice and compassion to prevail in Venezuela.”
