Unilateral "Brute Force" In Venezuela Violates Constitution. U.N. Charter
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE: UNILATERAL "BRUTE FORCE" IN VENEZUELA VIOLATES CONSTITUTION. U.N. CHARTER
NEW YORK (January 4, 2026) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement regarding U.S. military action in Venezuela:
“As a civil rights organization deeply committed to justice, democracy, and international law, the National Urban League strongly condemns the unilateral use of extreme military force against another sovereign nation without authorization from the U.S. Congress and in direct violation of the United Nations Charter. Our Constitution places the power to declare war and approve acts of military engagement squarely in the hands of Congress—bypassing that process undermines both our democratic system and the rule of law.
"Such actions violate the UN Charter’s clear prohibition against the threat or use of force, unless sanctioned by the Security Council or taken in lawful self‑defense. By proceeding without either, we set a dangerous precedent that erodes global norms and weakens respect for international institutions.
"We must also acknowledge the grave concerns caused by the Maduro regime—widespread human rights abuses, the radical suppression of dissent, and the devastation of Venezuelan democracy. His actions have inflicted real suffering upon the Venezuelan people and undermined regional stability. Addressing this tyranny is both necessary and urgent—but the means matter as much as the ends.
"True leadership calls for a strategy grounded in legitimacy, not lawlessness. We must rally support through Congress, leverage international bodies like the UN, and build a coalition committed to upholding democratic principles—not simply resort to brute force. This approach not only preserves our legal and moral standing, but also strengthens the global effort to restore freedom and human dignity in Venezuela.”