Venezuelan opposition rallies in favor of the humanitarian aid to be delivered on the next few days at several border crossings.  Caracas, Venezuela. 12 February 2019. Editorial credit: Ruben Alfonzo / Shutterstock.com

Venezuela

Venezuela’s democratic institutions have been deteriorating since 1999, but conditions have grown sharply worse in recent years due to harsher government crackdowns on the opposition and the ruling party’s use of thoroughly flawed elections to seize full control of state institutions. The authorities have closed off virtually all channels for political dissent, restricting civil liberties and prosecuting perceived opponents without regard for due process. Although the country’s economy has returned to growth after years of recession, a severe, politically driven humanitarian crisis continues to cause hardship and stimulate mass emigration.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Venezuela Country Report

Venezuela is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023 , Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

Our Work in Venezuela

In the face of heightened repression of human rights activists, widespread media censorship, and a critical humanitarian crisis, Freedom House supports Venezuelan organizations to serve as effective human rights watchdogs, to sustain and strengthen domestic independent media, and to raise awareness of Venezuela’s complex crisis at the international level, including the United Nations.

To learn more about Freedom House's work in the region, visit our Latin America and the Caribbean programs page.

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Freedom on the Net— Venezuela Country Report

Venezuela is rated Not Free in Freedom on the Net , Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.

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Video: Venezuelans Demand Freedom

Freedom House calls on Venezuela to end killings and violence against protesters, release all political prisoners, respect human rights, hold immediate free general elections, and uphold both the rule of law and the separation of powers.

News & Perspectives on Venezuela

De pie por los derechos humanos

Perspectives

March 10, 2022

A Stand for Human Rights

Perspectives

March 10, 2022