Venezuela requires UNICEF to intervene in the case of the kidnapped girl Maikelys Espinoza

Published at: 02/05/2025 08:13 PM

The president of the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents of Venezuela (IDENNA), Anaí Arizmendi, held a meeting with representatives of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Caracas, to denounce the alleged kidnapping of the Venezuelan girl Maikelys Antonella Espinoza by the United States government.

During the meeting, Arizmendi demanded that the international organization take action to guarantee the return of the minor to her mother in Venezuela. The meeting was also attended by Yorely Bernal, the girl's mother, her grandmother and a representative of the Public Ministry.

In statements to the media, Arizmendi pointed out that there is a whole narrative “that is being used to separate the Venezuelan family and the need for the principle of family reunification to be applied.”

He highlighted the efforts of the Venezuelan Government “to activate all international instruments, so that families who are repatriated from the United States come with their children, and that there are no more cases or situations of family separation.”

For months, the Bolivarian Government has been denouncing the forced separation of Venezuelan families under the application of the Foreign Enemies Act in the United States, which has left children and adolescents in a vulnerable situation.

This Thursday, May 01, in Caracas and other regions of the country, organizations for human rights and children's families have led mass mobilizations under the slogan “Free Maikelys!” , demanding their prompt return.

The Venezuelan State has reaffirmed its commitment to protect its citizens anywhere in the world and has urged the international community to take concrete measures in defense of children's rights.

Mazo News Team