Venezuela
Venezuela’s democratic institutions have deteriorated since 1999, but conditions have grown sharply worse in recent years due to the continued concentration of power in the executive and harsher crackdowns on the opposition. The authorities have closed off virtually all channels for political dissent, restricting civil liberties and prosecuting perceived opponents without regard for due process. The country’s severe humanitarian crisis has left millions struggling to meet basic needs, and driven mass emigration. Government corruption is pervasive, and law enforcement has proven unable to halt violent crime.
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 in the World — Venezuela Country Report
Venezuela is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2021, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
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
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
Freedom House Applauds Formation of UN Commission to Investigate Human Rights Abuses in Venezuela
Press release
September 26, 2019