Four United Nations human rights experts have strongly condemned the partial US naval blockade of Venezuela, labeling it as illegal armed aggression under international law. They urged the US Congress to take action to halt the blockade and prevent further violations of human rights.

“There is no right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade,” the UN experts said in a joint statement on Wednesday, highlighting the severity of the US actions in the Caribbean.

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Overview of the US Naval Blockade

The United States has deployed significant military forces in the Caribbean Sea, intercepting Venezuelan oil tankers under the guise of enforcing sanctions. The blockade targets vessels that Washington claims are associated with sanctioned entities.

According to the UN experts, a naval blockade constitutes a prohibited use of military force against another nation under the United Nations Charter.

“It is such a serious use of force that it is also expressly recognized as illegal armed aggression under the General Assembly’s 1974 Definition of Aggression,” the experts said.
“The illegal use of force, and threats to use further force at sea and on land, gravely endanger the human right to life and other rights in Venezuela and the region.”

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Humanitarian and Legal Implications

The UN statement underscores the human rights risks associated with the blockade. The military interventions have reportedly resulted in over 100 deaths, raising concerns over violations of the right to life.

The experts emphasized that those responsible for such actions must be investigated and held accountable. They also called on other countries to intervene and take measures to stop the blockade and illegal killings.

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US and Venezuela Positions

US President Donald Trump claims that Venezuela uses its oil resources to finance “narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murders, and kidnappings.”

In contrast, Caracas denies all allegations, arguing that Washington seeks to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro and seize Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, which are the largest in the world.

Since September 2025, US forces have reportedly conducted dozens of airstrikes on Venezuelan vessels allegedly transporting drugs. However, no publicly verified evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims.

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UN Experts’ Recommendations

The UN experts called for immediate action:

• Investigate killings and human rights violations linked to the blockade.
• Ensure those responsible are held accountable under international law.
• Urge the US Congress to intervene to prevent further attacks and lift the blockade.
• Encourage international cooperation to stop illegal military actions in Venezuelan waters.

The statement was signed by four UN experts:

• Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on human rights while countering “terrorism”
• George Katrougalos, expert on promoting a democratic and equitable international order
• Surya Deva, development expert
• Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association

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Context and Significance

The condemnation highlights growing international scrutiny of unilateral US military interventions, emphasizing that blockades and armed aggression violate international law and endanger civilian populations. The UN experts’ statement signals a call to action for both the US Congress and the international community to ensure accountability and uphold human rights in Venezuela.