In a fiery emergency session of the UN Security Council on Monday, a wave of countries slammed the US for its military strikes on Venezuela last weekend 🛑. The controversial operation included the forcible removal of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to the US.
Colombia, now serving its first year as a non-permanent Council member for 2026-27, spoke up loud and clear. Leonor Zalabata, Colombia's UN rep, called the attacks a blatant violation of Venezuela's sovereignty (its right to self-rule) and political independence. "There's zero excuse for using force to act like a world sheriff," she said.
Venezuela's UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, demanded Maduro's immediate release and safe return. He warned that seizing leaders by force revives the worst days of colonialism and neocolonialism—when powerful states rocked up uninvited and took what they wanted.
Brazil's rep, Sergio Franca Danese, echoed the chorus, saying the bombings and president's abduction set a dangerous global precedent. Russia also joined the condemnation, accusing the US of aggression and of eyeing Venezuela's rich natural resources.
Even UN Secretary-General António Guterres weighed in, stressing that the UN Charter forbids using force against any country's territorial integrity (keeping a country's borders respected) and political independence. He cautioned that these strikes risk sparking more instability across the region.
For young change-makers in South and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder of why global rules matter. Whether you're tweeting, scrolling TikTok, or debating in class, staying informed and speaking up can help defend the idea that no one gets to play by their own rules in world affairs 🌎✨.
Keep an eye on UN updates and join the convo using #NoWar and #Sovereignty to share your thoughts ✌️.
Reference(s):
Multiple nations condemn U.S. military actions against Venezuela
cgtn.com
