On 29 December 1999 a new Constitution came into force in Venezuela which constitutes an important and significant step forward in terms of human rights. In this report Amnesty International makes a number of recommendations to the Venezuelan authorities regarding the investigation of past human rights violations. Amnesty International also remains seriously concerned about recent extrajudicial executions, “disappearances” and torture and ill-treatment by the State security forces, as well as prison conditions and the refoulement of refugees. The organization is also concerned at the lack of adequate constitutional protection for the right of conscientious objection to military service.
