25 January 2019 – “UNICEF regrets and condemns the reported loss of lives, including the deaths of teenagers, during recent demonstrations in Venezuela, and expresses its condolences to their families.
“UNICEF renews its call on demonstrators and law enforcement to avoid violence and ensure the protection of children and adolescents everywhere at all times.
“Adolescents who have reportedly been arrested should be treated in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child – which Venezuela has ratified – to ensure that their rights are upheld.
“UNICEF also echoes the call of the Secretary General of the United Nations to all actors to engage in inclusive and credible political negotiations to address the country’s longstanding crisis.
“UNICEF will continue to work with national partners and the international community to protect and uphold the rights of children in Venezuela.”
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, media@unicef.org.uk
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk