U.N. Human Rights Council Observes Moment of Silence for Hugo Chavez

The U.N. Human Rights Council observed a moment of silence for deceased Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on March 6.

Led by the Cuban Ambassador Anayansi Rodriguez Camejo, who also declared three days of mourning for the dead despot, the tribute stated: “It is with deep sorrow that our countries received the news of the painful passing away of Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela.” 

This was followed by a moment of silence, after which Camejo added: “On behalf of the Latin and Caribbean states, we wish to express our deep solidarity with the people and government of Venezuela, particularly the family members and friends of Commandante Chavez.” 

As the Geneva-based human rights group U.N. Watch pointed out:

Now should be a time for the U.N. to show solidarity with the victims–like Judge Maria Afiuni who was jailed and raped for the crime of releasing a political prisoner arbitrarily imprisoned by Chavez–and not with the perpetrators.

Instead of praising an autocrat who punished his country’s independent judges, journalists, human rights activists and students–and who vocally supported mass murders, tyrants and terrorists in Syria, Libya, and Iran–the U.N. should apologize for having just elected the Chavez regime to its human rights council.