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.
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.
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.
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
NEW REPORT: Freedom in the Americas Declined in 2022, Nicaragua Receives Largest Score Decrease in Region
Press release
March 9, 2023
Throwing the Book at Civil Society: Antidemocratic Regimes in the Americas Are Using the Law to Narrow Civic Spaces
Perspectives
December 15, 2021
Venezuela: ICC Investigation Sends Strong Message to Human Rights Abusers in Latin America
Press release
November 5, 2021
Venezuelan Authorities Must Free Human Rights Defender Orlando Moreno
Joint statement
April 27, 2021
Venezuela: UN Fact-Finding Mission Underscores Grave and Persistent Rights Abuses
Press release
March 11, 2021
Venezuela: Maduro Must Implement UN Recommendations on Protecting Human Rights
Joint statement
March 3, 2021
Report: Digital Election Interference Widespread in Countries Across the Democratic Spectrum
Press release
December 7, 2020