U.S. United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley denounced Venezuela’s government for abusing its power and its people.
Haley spoke to a panel of Venezuela rights activists and experts.
“This is an economic, political and humanitarian crisis that demands the world’s attention,” she stated. “ But let there be no mistake, there is only one party responsible for the crisis in Venezuela—one group of officials is responsible for taking one of the richest countries in Latin America and making it a place where mothers dig through trash cans to feed their families.
“The Venezuelan government is in the midst of destroying human rights and democracy in Venezuela,” Haley continued. “It is conducting a campaign of violence and intimidation against unarmed demonstrators, businesses, civil society and freely-elected political opposition.”
Venezuela, once a wealthy OPEC nation, has suffered severe shortages of food and medicine.
There have been daily protests for the past three months.
Protesters meet violence from police and national guard soldiers. At least 65 people have died in these demonstrations.
President Nicolás Maduro has bankrupted the nation. He has tried to suspend Congress and canceled elections to keep his hold on power. He is trying to rewrite the constitution to increase his control of the government. He has jailed opposition leaders.
