HRW denounces power concentration in Chávez' hands

In its annual report on Venezuela, NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that the power concentration in President Hugo Chávez's hands has narrowed spaces for freedom of expression and civil society, and has "neutralized virtually all of the judiciary power."

HRW praised the performance of a number of Latin American countries, including
Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico and Uruguay, which have struggled to become
leaders in human rights defense in international meetings.

Despite the favorable comments made by HRW, the region is still recording human rights violations. The NGO referred particularly to Colombia and Venezuela, claiming that a significant work has yet to be done in the defense of human rights, said HWR Americas director, José Miguel Vivanco.