This weakens the only mechanism we have to prevent world conflict, namely the UN. The international community must stand up for the rule of law

• Volker Türk is UN high commissioner for human rights

The US military operation in Venezuela undermines a fundamental principle of international law, agreed after the horrors of two world wars and the Holocaust: states must not use force to pursue their territorial claims or political demands.

I am deeply disturbed by these events – and by some of the reactions I have seen. A narrative is emerging that seeks to justify the US military intervention as a response to the Nicolás Maduro government’s appalling human rights record.

Volker Türk has been the UN high commissioner for human rights since 2022