International community should intervene

As for the Latin American governments, Brazil and Argentina intended to limit the regional influence of Venezuela and tried to promote political changes inside its borders, but their own political turmoil has prevented both countries to take further steps in such regard. Mexico and Peru have constantly demanded regional involvement to guarantee democracy in Venezuela, but their discourse has not raised unanimous attention in the framework of the Organization of American States OAS , in which the Alba countries and a group of Caribbean nations benefiting from subsidized Venezuelan oil supply, have successfully blocked initiatives against interests of the Venezuelan government.

From the perspective of neighbouring countries, no country in Latin America would be more affected by a large scale crisis in Venezuela than Colombia, in which 1 million Venezuelans have already settled. Major destabilization in Venezuela is likely to have an impact on the troubled borders both countries share, promoting a fertile ground for illegal activities that already represent a problem in the area such as drug trafficking, oil smuggling, and the presence of illegal armed groups.

Moreover, escalation of the Venezuelan crisis is likely to promote a significant population flow that will increase social and economic pressure on Colombian society and institutions, which currently struggle to cope with about 7.

The reluctance from countries in the region and the U. In such a scenario, while the Venezuelan government continues blocking democratic channels for the opposition, popular frustration is likely to be expressed through increasing levels of violence.

Luis Enrique Juvinao Navarro has extensive experience in analysis of political risk, international security and global affairs with International organizations and government.

His professional background includes policy advice at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as research on political affairs and peacekeeping operations for the UN. Why is the international community not intervening in Venezuela? Juvinao Navarro , July 16, Categories: Latin America , Politics.

How does the international community make decisions about military intervention, for instance? Why is it such a complex process? He gives his colleagues and students a peek behind the scenes of international decision-making. Various war zones around the world issue the same cry for help. Why is it so difficult for the international community to take action? Not only has Professor Herman Schaper acquired considerable knowledge of this field, as a diplomat he was closely involved in international decision-making.

In , at the end of a long religious war in Europe, the principle was established that a country is sovereign and other countries may not interfere in the domestic affairs of a state. The development that events in one country affect another one began to gain currency, and this can justify intervention in a sovereign state if the situation has become completely out of hand. An important modern tool that authorises military intervention under international law is a UN Security Council resolution.

And if the state of such a country fails to protect its people from such crimes or violations - or worse still is responsible for them - the international community can intervene. But R2P is the subject of much discussion too. In recent years Russia and China have expressed opposition to R2P, arguing that the Security Council makes improper use of this principle to topple governments.

Neither report asserted a basis to use force for this purpose other than Security Council authorisation under Chapter VII of the Charter as a last resort, in the event of genocide and other serious international crimes. Though the concept adopted omitted some of the aspects proposed initially by the ICISS, it retains its fundamental aspects in relation to prevention of and response to the most serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

They also declared their preparedness to take timely and decisive action, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and in cooperation with relevant regional organizations, when national authorities manifestly fail to protect their populations.

Each individual State has the responsibility to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. This responsibility entails the prevention of such crimes, including their incitement, through appropriate and necessary means. We accept that responsibility and will act in accordance with it. The international community should, as appropriate, encourage and help States to exercise this responsibility and support the United Nations in establishing an early warning capability.

The international community, through the United Nations, also has the responsibility to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means, in accordance with Chapters VI and VIII of the Charter, to help protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

In this context, we are prepared to take collective action, in a timely and decisive manner, through the Security Council, in accordance with the Charter, including Chapter VII, on a case-by-case basis and in cooperation with relevant regional organizations as appropriate, should peaceful means be inadequate and national authorities manifestly fail to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.