Elders warn against a return to a ‘might-is-right’ world
STATEMENT: We are witnessing the breakdown of the long-standing principle, enshrined in the UN Charter after the devastation of World War II, that the use of force is justified only in self-defence.
The armed intervention in Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro is illegal under international law. It is a violation of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. It does not meet the legal threshold of self-defence. (There has been no armed attack.)
Evidence of grave human rights violations, including crimes against humanity, by the Maduro regime are well-documented, notably by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission reporting to the UN. Those responsible should be held to account by the International Criminal Court (ICC). We urge the ICC to act on the evidence, and for all states to respect the independent operations of the Court.
If Venezuelans are to escape the vicious cycle of illegality, autocracy, and repression which they have long endured, it is essential to restore their democratic freedoms. There are currently worrying signs that this may not happen, and that the illegitimate regime will survive. Continuing political turmoil and armed conflict are a risk, as we have seen following other foreign interventions. The release of some political prisoners is welcome. All such prisoners must be freed. Elections should be held as soon as possible and meet the highest standards of accountability and transparency (as we called for after the 2024 elections). Venezuelans must choose their own leaders.
Stability in Latin America, as elsewhere, depends on consistent respect for state sovereignty. Disputes should be resolved by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law. Yet the US intervention is the latest in a growing list of breaches of international law by powerful states, with more being threatened. Equally troubling is the idea that powerful states can carve up the world into spheres of influence. History should teach us the consequences of these trends.
When viewed alongside the subsequent US withdrawal of membership of or funding to another 66 international organisations, these actions signal a broader retreat from multilateralism.
Political leaders must robustly defend the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, in particular sovereignty, political independence, and the territorial integrity of states. These principles have helped prevent a third world war for over 80 years. Leaders must do so consistently - not just when it suits them - or international law becomes meaningless, and the world drifts towards anarchy and chaos.
The consequences of this breakdown not being stopped could be very adverse for all the peoples of the world, including for those who live in powerful states. World stability is in danger. It is in everyone’s interests for the international rule of law to be defended when it is under threat, as it is now.
ENDS
Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chair of The Elders
Graça Machel, Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, Co-founder and Deputy Chair of The Elders
Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the WHO
Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former head of the UN Development Programme
Elbegdorj Tsakhia, former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Hina Jilani, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and co-chair of the Taskforce on Justice
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate
Denis Mukwege, physician and human rights advocate, Nobel Peace Laureate
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico
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About The Elders
The Elders are independent global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
The Elders are Gro Harlem Brundtland, Helen Clark, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, Hina Jilani, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Graça Machel (Deputy Chair), Denis Mukwege, Mary Robinson, Juan Manuel Santos (Chair) and Ernesto Zedillo.
Ban Ki-moon, Lakhdar Brahimi, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Ricardo Lagos and Muhammad Yunus are Elders Emeritus.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) and Kofi Annan (1938-2018) were founding members of The Elders and served as Chairs from 2007 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018 respectively. Ela Bhatt (1933-2022) and Martti Ahtisaari (1937-2023) were members of The Elders from 2007 to 2016 and 2009 to 2018 respectively. Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) was also a founding member of The Elders.
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