Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they propose to take following their support for the resolution passed at the Human Rights Council on 27 September 2018 to promote and protect human rights in Venezuela and to call upon the government of Venezuela to open its doors to humanitarian assistance to address the scarcity of food and medicines and rise in malnutrition.

The UK has long expressed its deep concern at the human rights situation in Venezuela. In November 2017, the EU unanimously agreed a sanctions regime on Venezuela. Targeted measures have been imposed on 18 individuals responsible for serious human rights abuses, and undermining democracy and the rule of law. We are continuing to work closely with EU, regional and international partners and urge the Venezuelan government to engage in serious, credible, and results-based negotiations with the opposition; to respect democratic institutions; to ensure free and fair elections, and to release all political prisoners.

The UK is already providing support to the crisis through our funding to key UN and humanitarian agencies, as well as through our support to the EU Commission which is providing 35 million Euros. The UK is deploying two humanitarian advisors to the region. The Department for International Development is also funding 5 UN experts through the Stand-by partnership mechanism, who are helping to coordinate the response in the region.

Venezuelan government political restrictions pose constraints for the delivery of assistance to those most in need. It will remain difficult until the Venezuelan government recognises the plight of its citizens and accepts international cooperation.