Amnesty International has condemned the 3 January United States military attack on Venezuela, describing it as an unlawful use of force under the UN Charter and a serious threat to the rules-based international order. The organization warned that the operation constitutes an act of aggression that endangers civilians, weakens international law, and risks encouraging similar violations by other states.
According to Amnesty International, the US government’s actions were driven by geopolitical interests and control over resources rather than legitimate self-defense or international authorization. The organization stressed that unilateral military action without UN Security Council approval or a valid claim of self-defense violates core principles of international law and undermines protections designed to prevent conflict and safeguard civilian lives.
While condemning the US attack, Amnesty International emphasized that this must not divert attention from the longstanding crimes against humanity committed by Venezuelan authorities. The organization reiterated that systematic repression, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial executions, has continued for more than a decade and remains unresolved despite changes in political leadership.
Amnesty International noted that recent prisoner releases, amnesty announcements and the proposed closure of a major detention facility are insufficient without genuine guarantees of non-repetition and accountability. The persistence of repressive laws, security agencies and intimidation tactics continues to restrict civic space and places human rights defenders, journalists and political opponents at risk.
The organization also warned that the US attack has complicated prospects for justice, particularly ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court into crimes against humanity in Venezuela. Amnesty International stressed that accountability for both US violations of international law and abuses by Venezuelan authorities is essential, stating that neither can excuse or overshadow the other.
Beyond Venezuela, Amnesty International cautioned that the US action sets a dangerous global precedent by normalizing a “might-makes-right” approach to foreign policy. The organization warned that disregard for the UN Charter, human rights treaties and international humanitarian law threatens civilian protection worldwide and risks accelerating global instability.
Amnesty International called on all states to reaffirm their commitment to international law, reject unilateral uses of force, and prioritize civilian protection and human rights. The organization urged the United States to cease further military action and investigate alleged unlawful killings, while calling on Venezuelan authorities to dismantle the machinery of repression, release all arbitrarily detained individuals and ensure truth, justice and reparations for victims.
