Tue Jul 01 22:52:51 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Venezuela Declares UN Human Rights Chief “Persona Non Grata” Amid Criticism of Abuses**

CARACAS – The Venezuelan National Assembly has unanimously declared United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk “persona non grata” following his condemnation of alleged human rights violations by state forces. The move comes after Turk addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting concerns about arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances in Venezuela.

Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez accused Turk of ignoring other human rights issues, such as the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants from the United States to El Salvador. However, Turk had previously expressed concern over these deportations in May.

The declaration intensifies tensions already high in Venezuela following a contested presidential election in July, which President Nicolas Maduro won amid accusations of fraud from the opposition. Human rights groups have reported a crackdown on dissent following the election, resulting in numerous deaths and the arrest of opposition lawmakers.

While the “persona non grata” declaration doesn’t automatically force Turk’s expulsion, it raises concerns that the government may move to close his office in Venezuela, a step taken in the past. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of criticisms of both the Venezuelan government and the U.S. regarding immigration practices, with Venezuela even cooperating with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement despite denouncing U.S. deportations.

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