| answer text |
<p>The Government shares the concern of the international community regarding the
deteriorating political situation in Venezuela. The then Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge
(Mr Hammond), conveyed his concerns at the detention of prominent political opposition
figures, and human rights more generally, directly to the Venezuelan Foreign Minister
and Deputy Foreign Minister at bilateral meetings held in London during 2015. He has
also discussed Venezuela extensively with counterparts from across the region.</p><p>Since
2012, we have funded 22 human rights and democracy projects in Venezuela, with both
Government and Non-Government Organisations. These projects have varied from protecting
the rights of indigenous people to supporting political dialogue and reconciliation
and the promotion of electoral reform.</p><p>Venezuela was designated a Foreign and
Commonwealth Office Human Rights Priority Country for 2016/2017 in April. This status
will allow us to further expand our work on human rights and democracy in the country,
including project work with local communities.</p>
|
|
