The Venezuelan National Assembly’s adoption of a law declaring Guyana’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela has been sternly rebuked by the Guyana government. Guyana has appealed to the international community to reject Venezuela’s “illegal expansionism” and to support the resolution of this territorial row through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Venezuela’s National Assembly, on March 21, 2024, said it passed the Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba, aiming to establish mechanisms for “the protection of the territory” and to reinforce Venezuela’s claim over the region. This law, comprising 39 articles, transitional provisions, and final provisions, outlines steps for the establishment of a State of Guayana Esequiba, including the appointment of a governor and the assumption of legislative functions by the National Assembly until a more permanent governance structure is established. Additionally, it mandates the inclusion of Guayana Esequiba in all political maps of Venezuela and establishes a High Commission for the state, underscoring Venezuela’s intention to integrate the region fully. The law is now pending constitutional ratification by Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, on March 22, 2024, expressed its “grave concern” over Venezuela’s actions. According to the ministry, this move by Venezuela is “in flagrant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and breaches “the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter.” Moreover, Guyana said it contradicts the provisional measures issued by the ICJ on December 1, 2023, and the Argyle Declaration agreed on December 14, 2023, by leaders of CARICOM, Brazil, the UN Secretary-General’s representative, and the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela.
The ICJ prohibited committing actions that would aggravate the territorial controversy. In the Argyle Declaration, the Presidents of the two nations agreed to maintain peace.
“Guyana remains committed to peace on its borders and in the region. It will not allow its sovereignty and territorial territory to be usurped,” the government said.
Guyana said it will exert all of its efforts under international law to ensure that its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact.
