“Clearly Illegal”: Former PM Helen Clark Condemns U.S. Raid on Venezuela as Violation of UN Charter

By Lions Roar News Diplomatic Desk

AUCKLAND, NZ (January 5, 2026) — Former New Zealand Prime Minister and former UN Development Programme Administrator Helen Clark has added her powerful voice to the growing international condemnation of the United States’ military operation in Venezuela.

In a pointed statement released today, Clark characterized the capture of President Nicolás Maduro as a “clear violation” of international law and a dangerous undermining of the United Nations Charter.

⚖️ A Breach of Sovereignty

Clark, widely respected for her expertise in global diplomacy, argued that the unilateral move by the U.S. to enter a sovereign nation and remove its leader sets a “perilous precedent.”

“The U.S. military action in Venezuela is clearly illegal under the UN Charter,” Clark stated. “International law is designed to protect the sovereignty of states and prevent unilateral military intervention. When the world’s most powerful nations ignore these rules, they threaten the very foundation of global order.”

She emphasized that while there may be significant criticisms of the Maduro administration, those issues do not grant another nation the right to bypass the UN Security Council and conduct an armed abduction on foreign soil.

🌍 Global Ramifications

Clark expressed concern that this action effectively replaces the “rule of law” with the “rule of force.” She warned that ignoring the UN Charter could lead to a more unstable world where any powerful nation feels justified in intervening in the affairs of others based on their own internal legal definitions.

• UN Charter Principles: Clark noted that Article 2(4) of the Charter specifically prohibits the “threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
• Diplomatic Fallout: She predicted that the raid would alienate allies who value a rules-based international system and would likely spark further conflict in the region.

🏛️ Standing with the International Community

Clark’s comments align with recent statements from China, Cuba, and New Zealand’s current Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, all of whom have questioned the legality of the U.S. operation. She called on world leaders to return to diplomatic channels and uphold the multilateral institutions designed to resolve such crises.