Geneva – Despite the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces in January, Venezuela’s state machinery of repression remains operational, according to a recent report by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The mission’s findings, released on March 12, 2026, indicate a continuation of patterns of human rights violations even after Maduro’s apprehension and the assumption of power by Delcy Rodríguez as the interim president.
The report highlights a concerning trend: the adaptation of repressive structures and alliances to maintain power in the face of a shifting political landscape. This assessment comes amid what the UN describes as an “uncertain and convulsive” scenario in Venezuela following the events of January 3rd. The mission’s investigation covers the period from September 2025 to the present date, identifying both continuity and change in the human rights situation within the country.
Shift in Tactics, Not Cessation of Repression
The UN mission divided the period under review into two phases. From September to December 2025, the investigation revealed a continuation of “grave violations of human rights” previously documented. Following Maduro’s detention and the establishment of Rodríguez’s government, the mission observed that the repressive apparatus is “mutating” in an attempt to adapt to the new reality, according to reporting from CNN Español. This adaptation doesn’t signify a decrease in repression, but rather a recalibration of tactics.
Specifically, the mission is investigating “several cases of torture and sexual and gender-based violence in detention centers and safe houses.” A disturbing pattern identified is that approximately one-third of those detained are relatives of individuals targeted by the authorities, a practice previously reported by CNN. Since Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency, at least 87 individuals have been detained for political reasons, the mission stated.
International Response and Security Council Divisions
The seizure of Maduro by U.S. Forces on January 5, 2026, prompted a meeting of the UN Security Council, revealing deep divisions among member states. The United States defended its actions as a law enforcement operation targeting a fugitive indicted on narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime charges, rejecting characterizations of military aggression. U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz stated that Maduro was “not a legitimate head of State following disputed 2024 elections,” as reported by UN News.
But, other Council members expressed concerns that the U.S. Action could set a dangerous precedent, potentially normalizing unilateral force and eroding state sovereignty. UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that international peace and security depend on adherence to the UN Charter. The incident occurred amidst ongoing investigations into Maduro’s alleged involvement in criminal activities, which had led to indictments decades prior.
Amnesty Law Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
The UN mission has also expressed “serious reservations” regarding a recently enacted amnesty law in Venezuela. Details of the law’s scope and potential impact on accountability for past human rights violations remain under scrutiny. The mission continues to monitor the situation closely, focusing on the evolving dynamics of the repressive apparatus and its impact on the Venezuelan population.
The ongoing investigations extend to the fate of 30 officers of the Venezuelan national police, whose status was revealed in the UN report. The mission’s findings underscore the complexity of the situation in Venezuela, where political uncertainty persists despite the change in leadership.
Looking ahead, the UN mission will continue to report on the human rights situation in Venezuela, providing updates to the Human Rights Council and other relevant bodies. The international community will be closely watching how the Rodríguez government addresses the concerns raised by the UN and whether it takes concrete steps to dismantle the structures of repression and ensure accountability for past abuses. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming months.
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