A United Nations mission confirmed "crimes against humanity" in Venezuela on September 22nd, 2025, detailing systematic torture, forced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests, according to a report presented at the UN Human Rights Council. The report, presented by Marta Valiñas, President of the International Mission Independent of Determination of Acts on Venezuela, documented over 2,200 mass and arbitrary arrests, particularly in connection with protests and the "Tum Tum Operation." The mission found over 30 cases of opponents subjected to isolation and cruel and inhuman treatment, including beatings, suffocation, electrical discharges, sexual violence, and prolonged confinement. The report also detailed the arrests of 220 minors, with some subjected to forced disappearances and torture, and tragically, two minors among the deceased. At least 84 foreigners from 29 countries were also arrested and remain under strict presentation regimes. Several nations voiced concerns at the UN regarding the human rights situation in Venezuela. Japan called for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including foreigners. Poland expressed alarm over the escalating persecution of human rights defenders, and Ireland highlighted violations against journalists, indigenous communities, and LGBTI people. The UN mission stated that the Maduro regime's actions, including torture and forced disappearances, cannot be justified by any external factors, such as potential U.S. military deployment. Leopoldo López denounced the Maduro regime's role in making Venezuela a "narco poster." The findings of the UN mission confirm a state policy resulting in crimes against humanity, with the report emphasizing that there can be no compromise or justification for acts like torture, sexual violence, forced disappearance, or death. The international community faces a responsibility to act, and Venezuela requires sustained solidarity from democratic nations to restore democracy, human rights, and access to justice. In related developments, the Dominican Republic announced on September 22nd, 2025, that it seized 377 packages of cocaine from a speedboat destroyed by the U.S. Navy. Separately, a draft bill is circulating within the White House that would significantly expand President Donald Trump's authority to conduct military operations against "drug cartels" without prior congressional approval. Separately, the Royal Netherlands Navy patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen was observed leaving Willemstad, Curaçao, on September 22, 2025.
