Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
On 27 September 2019, the United Nations Human Rights Council established the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela through resolution 42/25 for a period of one year, to assess alleged human rights violations committed since 2014.
The mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission was extended by the Council in 2020, through resolution 45/20; in 2022, through resolution 51/29; in 2024, through resolution 57/36; and on 6 October 2026, through resolution 63/[XX] for a further period of two years, until October 2028.
Call for submissions (cycle: 2026-2028)
Within the framework of its ongoing investigations, the Mission invites interested people, groups and organizations to submit information and/or documents relevant to the Mission’s mandate.
In particular, the Mission welcomes information related to:
- Cases of serious human rights violations (e.g. extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence).
- Persons allegedly involved in human rights violations.
- The involvement of colectivos (civilian armed groups) in those violations.
The Fact-Finding Mission further acknowledges the right to rectification of all persons identified in the Mission’s previous reports, and invites the persons concerned to submit all relevant information and/or documents for this purpose.
Latest news
Statement by Sofía Macher, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council
18 September 2026
English | Español
Venezuela: Amidst limited political changes, country’s repressive apparatus remains intact, UN Fact-Finding Mission says
16 September 2026
English | Español
Mandate
- To investigate gross violations of human rights, including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including those involving sexual and gender-based violence, committed since 2014;
- To help to combat impunity and ensure full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims;
- To present oral updates on its work during interactive dialogues at the Human Rights Council's 64th (February-April 2027) and 67th (February-April 2028) sessions; and
- To prepare written reports on its findings and recommendations to be presented to the Council during interactive dialogues at its 66th (September-October 2027) and 69th (September-October 2028) sessions.
Under its current mandate, the Mission pays particular attention to the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the lead-up to, during and after the 2024 presidential elections, and to the violence by armed individuals known as colectivos.
Documentation
Press releases
Press releases
Venezuela: Amidst limited political changes, country’s repressive apparatus remains intact, UN Fact-Finding Mission says
Venezuela: UN Fact-Finding Mission urges authorities to reverse decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
Venezuela: UN Fact-Finding Mission Welcomes Extradition Request Arising from Investigation into Venezuela 2014 crimes
Venezuela: Uncertainty in Venezuela must give way to meaningful human rights change, UN Fact-Finding Mission says
Venezuela: UN Fact-Finding Mission cautiously welcomes draft Amnesty Law, urges greater transparency and public participation
Venezuela: UN Fact-Finding Mission expresses grave concern following US military intervention and calls for accountability for human rights violations and crimes
Human Rights Council President appoints Members of the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela
Venezuela: Bolivarian National Guard responsible for systematic violations and crimes against humanity, UN Fact-Finding Mission says
Statements
Statements
Statement by Sofía Macher, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council
Statement by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regarding the earthquake in Venezuela
Statement by María Eloísa Quintero, Expert Member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council
Statement by the UN Venezuela Fact-Finding Mission on the release of political prisoners
Statement by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado
Statement by Marta Valiñas, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, at the 58st session of the Human Rights Council
Statement by Marta Valiñas, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council
Statement by Marta Valiñas, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, at the 51st session of the Human Rights Council
Statement by Marta Valiñas, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, at the 49th session of the Human Rights Council
Videos
HRC63 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
18 September 2026
12 March 2026
HRC63 | Press conference
18 September 2026
HRC61 | Oral update: Statement by expert Alex Neve
13 March 2026
HRC61 | Oral update
(Spanish only)
12 March 2026
HRC60 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
(Spanish only)
22 September 2025
HRC60 | Press conference
(Spanish only)
22 September 2025
HRC57 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
(Spanish only)
17 September 2024
HRC57 | Interactive dialogue: Statement by expert Francisco Cox
(Spanish only)
17 September 2024
HRC57 | Interactive dialogue: Statement by expert Patricia Tappatá
(Spanish only)
17 September 2024
HRC57 | Report launch
17 September 2024
HRC55 | Oral update (summary of contents)
20 March 2024
HRC54 | Report launch
20 September 2023
HRC52 | Oral update
(Spanish only)
22 March 2023
HRC51 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
(Spanish only)
26 September 2022
HRC51 | Report launch
20 September 2022
Field mission by members of the International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela to areas near the Venezuelan border with Venezuela
(Spanish only)
20 September 2022
HRC49 | Oral update
(Spanish only)
17 March 2022
HRC48 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
(Spanish only)
24 September 2021
HRC48 | Report launch
16 September 2021
HRC46 | Oral update
(Spanish only)
10 March 2021
HRC45 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
(Spanish only)
23 September 2020
HRC45 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
20 September 2020
HRC45 | Presentation of report and interactive dialogue
20 September 2020
HRC45 | Report launch
16 September 2020
Video | Venezuela: UN report urges accountability for crimes against humanity
16 September 2020
Contact
Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Email: ohchr-ffmvenezuela@un.org