The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Tuesday urged the international community to make clear that US intervention in Venezuela is a violation of international law that makes states around the world less safe.

"It sends a signal that the powerful can do whatever they like," said Ravina Shamdasani, chief spokesperson for OHCHR, at a regular press briefing in Geneva.

The spokesperson said the high commissioner believes the US action undermines a fundamental principle of international law – that a state must not threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state.

(With input from agencies)