UN urges transparent investigation into deaths in Venezuela

Organization warns that at least 23 deaths may be related to protests in the country

The UN calls on the Caracas government to guarantee � transparent investigations � regarding the deaths in recent days in Venezuela , in the context of protests in several cities of the country.

�We are deeply concerned about the scale of violence in Venezuela,� said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. �We ask that the forces of order act and operate respecting their obligations,� he warned, referring to suspected violations of human rights. �The administration of these protests must be within international standards,� he insisted, warning that the use of force should be avoided.

�At least 23 deaths were reportedly reported and the context is unclear,� he said. �We ask that these incidents be investigated. But these investigations need to be transparent, �he said.

Appeal
For the population, the UN office also makes an appeal. �We urge them to use peaceful means to make their voices heard,� he said.

For years, the government of Caracas has rejected the entry of UN missions related to human rights assessments.

Last week, the UN had already warned the Venezuelan government of Nicol�s Madurothat its initiative to deliver weapons to the population would only increase the risk of a confrontation in the country.

Maduro announced the approval of a plan to expand to 500,000 members of the Bolivarian militia . According to him, the group will be in all the territory for the �defense of the country�. �A weapon for every militiaman,� Maduro promised in an announcement Monday night on radio and television.