The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) vehemently condemns the recent United States military strikes in Venezuela, calling them a blatant act of aggression that violates international law, undermines national sovereignty, and places civilian lives at grave risk. PAHRA stresses that no justification, whether framed as security, stability, or intervention, can excuse the use of force that endangers communities and erodes fundamental human rights.

“Ang pananakop ay pananakop. Wala nang sugar coating. Ano pa ba ang itatawag mo sa ganyan?” said Edgar “Egay” Cabalitan, PAHRA Secretary-General. “Walang matinong paliwanag na makakapagbura sa katotohanang ito ay paggamit ng lakas para ipilit ang interes ng iilan, kapalit ang buhay at karapatan ng mamamayan.”

PAHRA emphasized that the United States’ actions reflect a dangerous abuse of power, where military might is used to attack a sovereign country with little regard for the human cost. Such strikes expose civilians to death, displacement, and trauma, while further destabilizing an already fragile social and economic situation. The alliance stressed that these actions violate fundamental human rights, including the right to life, security, and self-determination.

“In any angle, this is a clear violation of human rights,” Cabalitan added. “Bombs do not bring peace, and military force does not create justice. What these attacks leave behind are dead civilians, displaced families, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. This is a textbook case of how powerful states abuse power, trample international law, and escape accountability while ordinary people suffer.”