In a powerful statement from Geneva, the United Nations human rights office has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the people of Venezuela, emphasizing that their voices, rights, and future must remain at the center of any path forward for the nation.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, delivered a hopeful message that resonates with the international community's dedication to upholding the principles that keep all nations safe and secure. "The future of Venezuela must be determined by the Venezuelan people alone, with full respect for their human rights, including the right to self-determination, and sovereignty over their lives and their resources," she told journalists.

This commitment to Venezuelan self-determination comes as the UN continues its vital humanitarian mission in the country, where dedicated aid workers are making a real difference in people's lives. Despite significant funding challenges, the UN humanitarian community achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025, successfully reaching two million Venezuelan people with critical assistance.

The UN's presence represents hope for the nearly eight million Venezuelans—one in four citizens—who need humanitarian support. The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) has maintained a comprehensive response plan, demonstrating the international community's ongoing solidarity with Venezuelan families. Jens Laerke, OCHA spokesperson, emphasized that humanitarian workers remain committed to providing essential services including food, nutrition, education, and healthcare.

The UN's advocacy extends beyond Venezuela's borders, supporting the nearly 7.9 million Venezuelans who have sought new opportunities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 6.9 million have found welcoming communities across the region, where UNHCR works tirelessly to foster inclusion, stability, and development.

Eujin Byun, UNHCR spokesperson, highlighted the agency's readiness to protect displaced people and support emergency relief efforts as needed. "We stand together with other UN agencies and humanitarian partners," she said, reflecting the collaborative spirit driving the humanitarian response.

The UN human rights office's message underscores a fundamental principle that offers hope not just for Venezuela, but for the entire international community: that respect for sovereignty, human rights, and international law creates a safer, more stable world for everyone.

Despite the complexities facing Venezuela, the UN's consistent presence and advocacy demonstrate that the international community has not forgotten the Venezuelan people. The organization continues calling for victim-centered accountability processes that honor those who have suffered while building a foundation for a brighter future.

As the situation evolves, one thing remains crystal clear: the United Nations stands firmly with the Venezuelan people in their aspirations for self-determination, human rights, and dignity. The humanitarian work continues, touching millions of lives and offering tangible hope that better days lie ahead for all Venezuelans, whether they remain in their homeland or have built new lives abroad.

The international community's support, channeled through UN agencies and humanitarian partners, represents an enduring commitment to ensuring that Venezuelan voices are heard, their rights respected, and their futures remain firmly in their own hands.