UN rights team to continue work in Venezuela

After his first official visit to Venezuela, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volke Türk said Saturday that he perceives "a general recognition across the political and social spectrum of the need for reform."

During a news conference at the international airport in the coastal state of La Guaira, Türk said he met with more than 125 members of civil society, Human Rights defenders, victims of Human rights violations and representatives of victims' organizations from across the country.

He expressed concerns about accounts heard by victims of Human Rights violations such as arbitrary detentions, torture and rape. Türk also said he is encouraged by the government’s decision to extend their work in Venezuela for further two years. This is Türk’s first visit to the country since he took office last October to replace Chile's Michelle Bachelet.