A/HRC/44/20 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 42/4, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to present to it a comprehensive written report on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela at its forty-fourth session, including the outcomes of the investigation on the ground into allegations of possible human rights violations of the human rights to life, liberty, and physical and moral integrity in the country, with a view to ensuring the accountability of perpetrators and redress for victims. 2. The present report is focused on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2020, in particular on the issues outlined in Council resolution 42/4. The report also contains an overview of the cooperation between the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) during the reporting period. 3. On 20 September 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the High Commissioner for Human Rights signed a letter of understanding, setting out parameters for cooperation for a period of one year, renewable upon the further agreement of both parties. In October 2019, they agreed upon a workplan on technical assistance. On that basis, two OHCHR human rights officers have been working in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela since October 2019 under the mandate of the High Commissioner and as part of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office. In addition, temporary support has been provided for three human rights officers to conduct activities contemplated in the workplan. 4. The present report was prepared on the basis of information collected by OHCHR through interviews with multiple sources and meetings with a broad range of State and other stakeholders. The report was prepared taking into account official information and data provided by the Government, the Office of the Attorney General and the judiciary, including through a questionnaire sent by OHCHR for the purpose of the report. The report also reflects the analysis of information and documents provided by victims, civil society and other sources. 5. The findings presented in the report have been documented and corroborated in line with OHCHR methodology. OHCHR exercised due diligence in assessing the credibility and reliability of all sources, and it cross-checked the information gathered to verify its validity. OHCHR sought informed consent from the sources it interviewed, ensuring confidentiality when requested, and took all appropriate measures to protect their identity. 6. During the reporting period, the political crisis deepened owing to persistent tensions between the Government and the opposition. Despite international and national efforts, the main political actors have been unable to reach a comprehensive negotiated solution to resolve the protracted political crisis. Political discussions mainly focused on establishing the conditions for parliamentary elections, scheduled for 2020, and on the opposition’s demand that presidential elections be held earlier than initially planned. OHCHR welcomes the recent efforts between the Government and the political opposition to join forces with the Pan American Health Organization to collaborate in pursuing policies and searching for international financial resources to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 7. OHCHR welcomes the increased cooperation with authorities and access to the country. Some of the human rights concerns presented in the report are being addressed through technical assistance requested by the Government from OHCHR in areas such as prevention of torture, access to justice and conditions of detention. The presence of OHCHR in the country has also allowed it to engage more closely with victims and to promptly channel their claims to duty-bearers. 2