An open conversation with Ambassador Constant-Rosales on Venezuela’s International Challenges and Commitments
Diplomat Magazine held an open and timely conversation with H.E. Mr. Hector Constant-Rosales, Ambassador of Venezuela to the Multilateral Organizations in The Hague. At a moment when Venezuela is simultaneously engaged in major cases before both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court—while remaining active in institutions such as the OPCW, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the HCCH—the country’s diplomatic work in The Hague is particularly consequential.
This interview takes place against a complex national and international backdrop: a longstanding government under President Nicolás Maduro, strong internal political opposition, far-reaching economic sanctions, and ongoing military warnings from abroad. With these dynamics shaping Venezuela’s global posture, we sought to understand how its multilateral engagement looks from the Venezuelan perspective.
Ambassador Constant-Rosales reflects on Venezuela’s historical tradition of multilateralism, its legal priorities, its approach to peacebuilding and disarmament, and the challenges of maintaining an active presence in international organizations amid political and economic constraints. He also speaks about the role of cultural diplomacy—most recently exemplified in the musical performance of Maestro Cheo Hurtado—in advancing dialogue and showcasing Venezuela’s identity on the world stage.
How does Venezuela view its participation and contribution to the main international organizations headquartered in The Hague?
Venezuela has a long tradition of multilateralism since its independence. Simón Bolívar’s call for the Congress of Panama in 1826 represented the genesis of American and global multilateralism, based on the principles of freedom and sovereignty. It is these same principles that inspire Venezuela’s actions in the international organizations in The Hague, which today are framed by a clear respect for international law. I emphasize this last point because we are in a historical context in which we are witnessing a decline in compliance with legal norms, which weakens the international system and jeopardizes peaceful coexistence itself. In our case, we promote multilateral action in accordance with international law, but also strongly condemn injustices and double standards.
What are the principal goals and projects your Mission is currently advancing within these institutions?
Two main cases constitutes our priorities. On the one hand, we have presented to the International Court of Justice Venezuela’s historical truth regarding its inalienable right to the territory of Guayana Esequiba. On the other hand, we are currently developing the case known as “Venezuela II” within the framework of the International Criminal Court, related to the flagrant crimes that have been committed against the human rights of the Venezuelan population as a result of the imposition of unilateral coercive measures. At the beginning of the presentation of the case in 2020, Venezuela seemed to be an isolated voice, but today, when even the Court itself faces illegal sanctions, there is a greater understanding of the scope and illegality of this type of hegemonic practice, which has not been sufficiently theorized. I am sure that this case will set some extremely important legal precedents in the near future. Of course, Venezuela also actively participates in other forums such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the HCCH, being one of the first countries in the world to have implemented the electronic Hague Apostille, which is a huge step forward of which we are proud. As for the OPCW, we support technical action in favor of global chemical disarmament and are currently promoting a vision of respect for the sovereign will of States in the election of members of the Executive Council.
How does Venezuela approach international law, disarmament, and global justice from the perspective of sovereignty and peacebuilding?
For two decades, my country has been known for taking a very strong stance against disrespect for international law and against the maintenance of living conditions that oppress the vast majority. We have strong roots in the Global South and are committed to that identity. That is why we are signatories to and participants in the Conventions on Disarmament, because we believe in a world of peace built on the principles of the United Nations Charter, and not on the basis of invasions and military solutions such as those that have occurred in recent years in the Middle East, which disrupt the global order and generate misery and pain. A tragic example is the ongoing genocide in Palestine, which violates the most basic principles of humanity and had to exceed 60,000 deaths in just two years to generate massive global interest. We also do not accept the current armed deployment in Caribbean waters that threatens the Zone of Peace of Latin America and the Caribbean and constitutes a direct threat to the security of the region. For 26 years, Venezuela has implemented what we call the “Bolivarian Peace Diplomacy,” which is a way of summarizing our global action from the example of our Liberator Simón Bolívar, whose international vision was avant-garde, together with the need to preserve true peace, which is only possible through social justice.
What are the main diplomatic or institutional challenges you have encountered in representing Venezuela in these multilateral settings?
To summarize this answer, I would say that there are at least two major challenges at present: one political and the other economic. The economic challenge is related to the obstacles posed by unilateral coercive measures to our participation in multilateral organizations, as Venezuela has lost its voting rights in many of them. However, from a position of dignity, this situation has reinforced our conviction to denounce and point out those responsible for such illegality and has also given us the satisfaction of continuing to see our multilateral proposals and projects approved thanks to the solidarity and respect of our many allies around the world. On the political challenge, it has been interesting to have to deal with a certain negative image and prejudices created in a biased manner about Venezuela for years. Unfortunately, large transnational media outlets have participated in a sustained campaign of discrediting and lying about my country, which has had harmful effects in discriminating against Venezuela and its people, hiding the country’s many geographical, tourist, social, and cultural assets, as well as the smiles and resilience of its people.
In your view, how can cultural diplomacy — such as the recent presentation of Maestro Cheo Hurtado — complement Venezuela’s multilateral engagement?
Precisely, as former Ambassador to UNESCO, I have been able to experience firsthand the enormous power of cultural diplomacy to build bridges, maintain dialogue, and preserve the cultural diversity of an identity as rich as Venezuela’s. During my nearly two years in The Hague, I have been able to organize at least two high-quality musical performances that have connected with Dutch audiences and showcased the beauty of my homeland through its music. We will continue to move forward in this regard, ensuring that our multilateral commitment is also a cultural commitment, for which I am grateful for the ongoing support of Diplomat Magazine.
