Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP.
On Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yván Gil, condemned the United States government for holding 33 Venezuelan children captive on its territory, separated from their families.
The foreign minister stated that this action constitutes a violation of international law, human rights, and US laws themselves. “It is a criminal, inhumane, and outrageous practice, unbecoming of a state that claims to be the defender of freedoms while trampling on the most basic rights of children.”
The minister held John McNamara, the US chargĂ© d’affaires in Colombia, responsible as the “material perpetrator” of this situation, describing it as illegal and immoral. In this context, he demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the minors so that they can be reunited with their families.
Jorge RodrĂguez, head of the Unified Command of the Bolivarian Revolution, also denounced the kidnapping of these children, comparing the separation of families to practices of Nazi Germany.
“There is no difference between a girl taken from her mother in Nazi concentration camps and the kidnapping of these Venezuelan children,” RodrĂguez said.
Venezuelan authorities reported that some of these children are being held in foster homes with unknown families, exposed to vulnerable and precarious conditions.
Seven More Children Separated From Families by US Government Return to Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on July 18 that his government is working to rescue children detained in migrant detention centers in the US.
Maduro confirmed the return of seven minors who had been separated from their parents, emphasizing that “today is a perfect day for Venezuela. Today has been a splendid day. This morning, at noon, we were able to rescue seven boys and girls.”
The president specified that these seven minors are part of a group of at least 34 children being held in the US, although he warned that the number could be higher. He also reported that talks are ongoing with US authorities to secure the release of the remaining children.
The Venezuelan government reiterated its demand for justice and the immediate reunification of the children with their families, denouncing the immigration policies of the US and El Salvador as violations of human rights.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
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