Venezuela accuses U.S. of politicizing human trafficking issue on baseless grounds

The Venezuelan government on Thursday criticized a recent U.S. report on human trafficking, cautioning that Washington is trying to exploit a sensitive matter for political gain.

In an official statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of attempting to undermine the Bolivarian Government based on unfounded allegations through its report.

“Venezuela questions the authority by which the United States (…) aims to position itself as an overseer of the policies implemented by other countries,” the statement noted.

In the U.S. State Department’s newly released report, Venezuela is placed at the lowest tier among countries failing to comply with the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Against this backdrop, President Nicolás Maduro’s government expressed concern over the condition of Venezuelans residing in the U.S., who, being victims of institutionalized discrimination, do not receive adequate attention and protection.

The Venezuelan authorities also pointed out that U.S. sanctions often serve as “a catalyst for the migration of individuals vulnerable to the menace of human trafficking.”

The Caracas administration also called on the U.S. to conduct its affairs within diplomatic boundaries and respect other nations’ sovereignty and self-determination.