United Nations on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, warning that the operation “undermines a fundamental principle of international law” by using force against a sovereign state’s territorial integrity and political independence.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in Geneva that international law clearly prohibits threats or the use of force between states. “States must not resort to military force to impose accountability,” she said.

Shamdasani dismissed U.S. arguments linking the operation to longstanding human rights violations in Venezuela. According to the UN, accountability for abuses cannot be achieved through unilateral military interventions that violate international legal norms.

UN Human Rights Office recalled that it has documented Venezuela’s deteriorating human rights situation for over a decade, including political repression and restrictions on civil liberties. However, it emphasized that such concerns do not justify armed action without international authorization.

The spokesperson warned that these actions “send the message that the powerful can do whatever they want,” weakening the multilateral system and making the world less safe, particularly for smaller and more vulnerable nations.

Statement follows the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, who was transferred to the United States to face judicial proceedings. The UN cautioned that increased militarization and instability could further worsen Venezuela’s crisis.

UN concluded by stressing that Venezuela’s future must be determined through peaceful means, with full respect for international law, state sovereignty, and the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination.