Southeast Asian MPs Condemn U.S. Action in Venezuela, Warn of Broader Impact on Sovereignty

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 January 2026— ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) stand in firm solidarity with the sovereign people of Venezuela and condemn in the strongest terms the recent unilateral use of United States’ military force that resulted in the military buildup in the Caribbean, aerial strikes in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira and the illegal capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

This act violates Venezuela’s sovereignty and the Venezuelan people’s right to decide their own path without foreign interference.

We denounce this action as an unlawful act of aggression and state kidnapping. It is a violent attempt to impose political outcomes from outside Venezuela’s borders. Such actions undermine international norms meant to prevent conflict and protect nations from external domination.

This intervention cannot be separated from Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which continue to attract foreign interest despite the worsening climate crisis and the global call to move away from fossil fuels. Pursuing control over natural resources through military means contradicts global commitments to climate responsibility and sustainable development, while placing profit above the future of people and planet.

As lawmakers from Southeast Asia, we reiterate that the consequences of this aggression extend far beyond Latin America. For our region, it sends a dangerous signal that powerful states can override sovereignty with impunity.

Politically, it weakens international rules that smaller nations depend on for stability and peace. Socially, it contributes to fear, displacement and growing mistrust between nations. Economically, it threatens the move towards sustainable energy, trade and development at a time when many Southeast Asian countries are already facing rising costs, inequality and climate-related disasters.

APHR joins the call of many peace-loving, democracy advocates and human rights organizations in the world, for an immediate end to the U.S.’ intervention in the Venezuelan state of affairs and unconditional respect for its sovereignty.

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