POSITION PAPER
Committee: Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
(SOCHUM)
Country: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Agenda: Discussing the Rights of Minority Groups
Introduction:
Venezuela is a multiethnic, multicultural, and multilingual nation committed to the protection
and promotion of minority rights. The Venezuelan Constitution of 1999 explicitly condemns
all forms of discrimination and guarantees human rights for all citizens, including indigenous
peoples, Afro-descendants, and other historically marginalized groups. Despite challenges,
Venezuela has implemented legal frameworks and policies to ensure equity and inclusion for
minority populations.
National Efforts to Protect Minority Rights
Legislative Framework:
Venezuela has enacted laws and policies to protect minority groups, including indigenous
peoples and Afro-descendants. These laws aim to promote social inclusion, guarantee civil
rights, and combat racial discrimination.
Support for Indigenous Peoples:
Indigenous communities are recognized as integral members of Venezuelan society. Measures
have been implemented to ensure their access to healthcare, education, and justice.
Indigenous representatives are elected exclusively by indigenous peoples. However,
Venezuela faced scrutiny over the dismissal of three indigenous parliamentarians due to
alleged electoral irregularities during the 2015–2020 term.
Promotion of Afro-Descendant Rights:
Venezuela has established programs such as the "Plan for Afro Venezuelans," which outlines
actions for social inclusion.
Initiatives like the African “Know-How” centre promote cultural awareness and collaboration
with international institutions.
Anti-Discrimination Mechanisms:
The National Institute Against Racial Discrimination investigates racial discrimination cases
and conducts consultations to address inequalities.
Special prosecution units address crimes against vulnerable groups, including indigenous
peoples and Afro-descendants.
Challenges Faced by Minority Groups
While Venezuela has made progress in protecting minority rights, challenges remain:
Political Disputes: Allegations of electoral fraud have led to the dismissal of minority
representatives, raising concerns about political representation.
Economic Crisis: The ongoing economic turmoil has disproportionately affected minority
communities, limiting their access to essential services.
International Cooperation:
Venezuela emphasizes collaboration with civil society organizations to combat racial
discrimination and promote minority rights. However, the government faces criticism for its
authoritarian practices that undermine broader human rights efforts.
Recommendations for SOCHUM
Venezuela proposes the following measures:
⬧Strengthen international frameworks to protect minority rights while respecting national
sovereignty.
⬧Promote dialogue between governments and civil society organizations to address
intersectional discrimination.
⬧Increase funding for UN initiatives aimed at supporting minority communities globally.
Conclusion
Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the rights of minority groups through
legislative measures, social programs, and international cooperation. Despite challenges, the
nation continues to strive toward inclusivity and equality for all citizens.
