The SCA takes note of the difficult economic situation in Venezuela that is reflected in the reduction by 99 % of the national budget. This situation affects all State institutions, including the DPV. Such a reduction severely restricts the ability of the DPV to function.

The SCA reiterates that to function effectively, an NHRI must be provided with an appropriate level of funding in order to guarantee its independence and function effectively.

The SCA refers to Paris Principles B.2 and to its General Observations 1.10 on ‘Adequate funding of NHRIs’.

The SCA therefore recommends that the DPV takes action to demonstrate its perceived and actual independence from the government while executing its mandate to promote and protect all human rights in a public manner including freely addressing public opinion, raising public awareness on human rights issues, analysing the human rights situation in the country, obtaining statements or documents in order to assess situations raising human rights issues, as well as conducting unannounced and free access to inspect and examine any public premises.

The SCA, therefore, reiterates that the DPV is not demonstrating that they can adequately address all human rights issues. While acknowledging the context in which the DPV operates, the SCA recommends that it independently takes steps to address all human rights issues in a manner that shows its ability to protect and promote human rights.