The EU and the Red Cross assist thousands of Venezuelans migrating throughout Latin America. At night, women with children are sheltered in tents, next to the Red Cross health centres. Colombian authorities give them priority to process documents and let them across the border. Photo: 2018 European Union/N. Mazars
DAVOS, Switzerland — Reports of violence and casualties linked to unrest in Venezuela should be investigated transparently and independently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, before calling for calm.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the UN chief urged all parties to “lower tensions” in the South American country, which is riven by economic and political crisis, after deadly clashes in the capital Caracas between security forces and thousands of demonstrators opposed to the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
“The secretary-general is concerned over reports of casualties in the context of demonstrations and unrest in Venezuela and calls for a transparent and independent investigation of these incidents,” said Stéphane Dujarric.
