By Staff Reporter
International organisations, including the United Nations, the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement, have all condemned the recent military aggression by the United States against Venezuela, describing Washington’s actions as a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
This follows last Saturday’s smash-and-grab operation by the United States special forces, which reportedly included armed assaults on both civilian and military targets in Caracas and other locations throughout the country.
In a statement, the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations expressed outrage over the illegal abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, labelling the US actions as a violation of international law.
“The Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations condemns in the most unequivocal and categoric manner the act of aggression perpetrated on 03 January 2026, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, by special forces of the United States of America, which included armed attacks against civilian and military objects in the capital city of Garacas, as well as in various other cities of the Venezuelan territory, and the illegal abduction of the President and First Lady of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros and H.E. Mrs Cilia Flores de Maduro.
“The Member States of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations express their serious concern at the impact of these series of armed attacks, particularly on civilians and their human right to life, which have included military assaults with US special forces, while emphasizing that such acts constitute a clear breach of international law and of each and every principle governing international relations, including those foreseen in the Charter of the United Nations”.
In its condemnation, the UN group reiterated its firm support for the constitutional government of Venezuela under President Maduro and underlined the importance of ensuring strict respect for the inviolability of the immunities accorded to heads of state and government under international law.
It also renewed its unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people in their ongoing struggle to defend their homeland.
The group demanded the immediate cessation of all hostilities against Venezuela, full respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the immediate return of President Maduro and his wife to Venezuela.
President Maduro, who is now facing drug trafficking charges in US courts, pleaded not guilty yesterday.
Additionally, the group called for accountability for those responsible for these acts of aggression.
Furthermore, the group rejected remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who threatened additional strikes and claimed intentions to occupy and exploit Venezuelan oil resources.
The statement described these remarks as a “confession of a clear plan of annexation,” which undermines the inalienable rights of the Venezuelan people and state.
The Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations was launched in July 2021 in New York, marking a major step forward in the shared endeavour of the peoples of the world toward a multipolar future. It is open-ended and currently composed of 18 member states.
In light of these events, the UN group has called on all relevant international bodies, including the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, to swiftly mobilise to uphold the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and urgently take appropriate measures to prevent further escalation, particularly additional acts of aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela, ultimately preserving both regional and international peace and security.
The condemnation from the UN group has been echoed by other international organisations. The African union (AU) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) have similarly criticised US military actions, describing them as violations of the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.
The Non-Aligned Movement, which represents a coalition of countries advocating for independence and sovereignty, called for immediate dialogue and diplomatic resolutions instead of military action.
“The Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) categorically condemns the act of aggression perpetrated by the United States of America against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, since the early hours of 03 January 2026, which included armed attacks against civilian and military locations in the capital city of Caracas, as well as in various other cities of the Venezuelan territory.
“The Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) notes that the attacks in question blatantly violate the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the norms of international law. constitute an act of war against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that undermines both regional and international peace, security and stability, while also threatening the very right to life of the Venezuelan people”.
In an earlier statement, the AU called for the respect of international law and the sovereignty of nations.
“The AU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty of States, their territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
“The AU underscores the importance of dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks, in a spirit of good neighbourliness, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations.
“The AU emphasises that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.
Zimbabwe is part of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, the AU and NAM.
On his part, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm over the US actions, warning that the intervention sets a “dangerous precedent” and urged all parties to respect the UN Charter.
“In situations as confused & complex as the one we now face in Venezuela, it’s important to stick to principles. Respect for the
UN Charter. Respect for the sovereignty, political independence & territorial integrity of states, the prohibition of the threat or use of force. The power of the law must prevail. International law contains tools to address issues such as illicit traffic in narcotics, disputes about resources & human rights concerns. This is the route we need to take,” the UN Chief posted on microblogging platform X in a post yesterday.
– Zimpapers
