The UN has raised significant concerns over human rights practices in the USA, Venezuela, and Egypt, urging governments to address violations and uphold international standards. In the USA, the recent deportation of 142,000 individuals between January 20 and April 29, particularly those sent to countries other than their origin, has sparked alarm. Among them, the whereabouts of 245 Venezuelans and 30 Salvadorans deported to El Salvador remain unknown. Some deportees, accused under the Alien Enemies Act, are reportedly being detained in the harsh conditions of the Centre for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT), where they lack access to legal counsel or family.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the government’s ongoing repression of critics, including the detention and enforced disappearance of dissidents, continues to fuel fear. The UN High Commissioner has called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained and for adherence to fair trial standards. Notably, the case of Eduardo Torres, a human rights lawyer arrested on 9 May, highlights the continued violations of fundamental rights. Conditions in detention remain dire, with at least three detainees dying in custody since July 2024. The UN has called for independent investigations into these deaths and a repeal of laws that curtail freedom of expression, particularly the law regulating NGOs.

In Egypt, the recently proposed Code of Criminal Procedure has raised alarms over its potential to undermine legal rights. The law, which is awaiting presidential approval, grants prosecutors sweeping powers, including in pre-trial detention, surveillance of communications, and travel restrictions. The last-minute, unpublished amendments to the law have raised transparency concerns. The UN urges President al-Sisi to carefully consider the human rights implications before granting assent to the bill.

Source: Spokespeople for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.