The undersigned organizations express our concern over the lack of transparency in the electoral process that resulted in Nicolás Maduro being declared the elected president of Venezuela for the 2025–2031 term. Several presidents, authorities, and regional and international leaders have denounced the opacity of the results, calling for the release and verification of the electoral tally sheets. It is crucial to guarantee the will of the Venezuelan people prevails and to initiate a process of political dialogue.
The subsequent acts of social and state violence are equally troubling. In recent hours, an escalation of repression by official armed forces against protests in 17 of Venezuela’s 24 states has been reported. According to recent statements by Attorney General Tarek William Saab, 749 people have been detained during the protests, some accused of crimes such as “terrorism” and “incitement to hatred.” Additionally, there have been threats of imprisonment directed at opposition leaders. A United Nations mission has confirmed at least six deaths and dozens injured during the protests.
These events affect the civil and political rights of Venezuelan citizens and demonstrate a lack of commitment to democratic principles. Arbitrary detentions aim to silence, intimidate, and discourage political participation. This conduct by the Venezuelan government violates international human rights standards and infringes on the rights to peaceful protest, assembly, and free expression without fear.
This new political crisis could trigger another wave of migration as Venezuelans seek safety and better living conditions. In light of this situation, it is crucial that governments in the region adopt supportive measures. These actions should include implementing human rights-focused migration policies, international cooperation to manage migratory flows in an orderly manner, facilitating safe transit across the region, and providing assistance and protection to migrants. It is essential that states establish permanent, accessible, and affordable regularization mechanisms.
At this critical moment, we express our solidarity with Venezuela’s social leaders and organizations working to defend human rights. Their bravery and commitment to democracy are invaluable contributions to building peace and social justice in Latin America.
The undersigned organizations join the call of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging Venezuelan authorities to respect the rights to protest and freedom of expression. We affirm our commitment to finding peaceful political solutions to the crisis to strengthen democracy in the region and avoid fueling violence and authoritarianism.
Signatories:
Dejusticia – Centro de Estudios de Derecho, Justicia y Sociedad (Colombia)
Cels – Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (Argentina)
Movimiento en Resistencia Contra las Agresiones Oculares del Esmad – MOCAO (Colombia)
Temblores ONG (Colombia)
Corporación Sisma Mujer (Colombia)
ILEX Acción Jurídica (Colombia)
Conectas Direitos Humanos (Brasil)
Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos- APRODEH (Perú)
Observatorio Ciudadano (Chile)
ARTIGO 19 Brasil e América do Sul KHRC (Brasil)
Kenya Human Rights Commission (Kenya)
ICCL – Irish Council for Civil Liberties (Ireland)
Alianza de Organizaciones por los Derechos Humanos del Ecuador
Venezolanos en Barranquilla (Colombia)