HRW criticizes Venezuela's candidacy to UN Human Rights Council

The Executive Director, Americas Division, Human Rights Watch (HRW), José Miguel Vivanco, and HRW Global Advocacy Director Peggy Hicks on Friday sent a letter to President Hugo Chávez, to establish a position on Venezuela's candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The voting will take place next Monday.

In the letter, the NGO representatives said it is "essential" that states that are members of the Human Rights Council "adhere to the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights." Vivanco and Hicks warned that Venezuela "currently falls far short of acceptable standards."

They also highlighted that "urgent measures are needed to reverse the policies and practices" of the Venezuelan government, which "have undercut human rights protections in several crucial areas."