05.01.2026 Statement for Briefing on Venezuela
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank Under Secretary General DiCarlo for her briefing on behalf of the Secretary General. We also listened carefully to the briefings by Ms. De Freitas and Mr. Sachs.
Mr. President,
Denmark joins the Secretary-General in expressing deep concern over the evolving situation in Venezuela.
Since this Council met to discuss the situation two weeks ago, we have seen a drastic escalation, culminating in a large-scale military operation on 3rd January.
At our last meeting, Denmark urged all actors to strictly adhere to international law, and to de-escalate tensions and exercise the necessary restraint.
Today, we echo the Secretary-General in his concern regarding the worrying implications of this military action.
Independent of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent.
International law and the UN Charter as a pillar of the international security architecture must be respected by all states. Denmark recalls the foundational principle of international law that forbids states from threatening or using force against another state's territorial integrity and political independence. This imperative is enshrined in Article 2, paragraph 4, of the UN Charter. Members of the United Nations Security Council have a special responsibility to uphold these principles.
The principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity must be respected. The inviolability of borders is not up for negotiation.
These are universal, sacrosanct principles enshrined in international law. They apply everywhere.
Mr. President,
Once again, Denmark calls on all parties to urgently de-escalate tensions that could threaten peace and stability in the region and beyond. International disputes should be settled by peaceful means, as stated in the UN Charter.
We further call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and to engage in dialogue and diplomacy.
Denmark takes note of the official statements from the United States Government, stating that their military operations are to combat drug trafficking and stem the illicit flow of illegal narcotics.
Denmark shares the priority of combating organised crime and drug trafficking while reiterating that counter-narcotic efforts – as all other efforts – must be conducted in strict accordance with international law, including the fundamental rules and principles of the UN Charter.
Mr. President,
Against this backdrop, Denmark wishes to recall our solidarity with the people of Venezuela.
Denmark does not recognise Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela following the lack of transparency and integrity in the 2024 presidential election, which failed to meet basic democratic standards.
In Maduro’s attempt to cling to power, his authoritarian regime grew increasingly oppressive. His regime bears responsibility for widespread and systematic violations of human rights against his fellow citizens and he should be held accountable. The victims of the Maduro regime’s alleged crimes against humanity have to be heard.
The Venezuelan people have a right to democracy and self-determination, exercised through peaceful, inclusive, and credible democratic processes, free from fear of political persecution, intimidation, or repression, and external political interference.
This includes the right of Venezuelans alone to determine their political, economic, and social future, without coercion, pressure, or manipulation by external actors. No state should seek to influence political outcomes in Venezuela through the use or threat of force, or through other means inconsistent with international law.
Venezuela’s future can be decided only by the Venezuelans.
We call on all parties and stakeholders to come together for a negotiated and peaceful transition to democratic rule in a process led by and owned by Venezuelans.
At this critical and uncertain time, it is imperative that all parties fully respect human rights and international law.
Denmark remains committed to supporting Venezuela and the aspirations of its people on its path to lasting political stability.
I thank you.