Venezuela: social organizations demand transparency in elections, political dialogue and guarantees for demonstrations

A statement published on 1 August and endorsed by Conectas, calls for respect for transparency in elections and for human rights such as the right to protest and association

A supporter of Venezuelan President and presidential candidate Nicolas Maduro waves a Venezuelan flag during a rally in Caracas on July 4, 2024. - Campaigning for July 28 presidential elections officially opened in Venezuela amid great uncertainty Thursday, with incumbent Nicolas Maduro accused of political persecution. (Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP)

We, the undersigned organizations, express our concern over the lack of transparency in the electoral process that resulted in the announcement of Nicolás Maduro’s election as president of Venezuela (2025-2031). Several presidents, authorities and regional and international leaders have denounced the opacity of the result and the need for the publication and verification of electoral records. It is essential to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people prevails and that a process of political dialogue is initiated.

Similarly, the subsequent acts of social and state violence are concerning. In recent hours, there have been reports of an escalation in repression by official armed forces against the protests, which took place in 17 of Venezuela’s 24 states. According to recent statements by Attorney General Tarek William Saab, 749 people were arrested in connection with the protests, some of them on charges such as “terrorism” and “incitement to hatred.” This situation has been further aggravated by a series of threats of arrest against opposition political leaders. The UN mission confirmed that at least six people have been killed and dozens injured in the protests.

These events affect the civil and political rights of Venezuelan citizens and demonstrate a lack of commitment to democratic principles. The arbitrary detentions aim to silence, intimidate and discourage political participation. This action by the Venezuelan government violates international human rights standards and undermines the right to peaceful protest, assembly and the free expression of opinions without fear.

This political crisis could trigger another wave of migration as Venezuelans seek safety and better living conditions. In light of this situation, it is essential that governments in the region adopt supportive measures. These actions include implementing migration policies grounded in human rights, international cooperation to manage migration flows in an orderly manner, facilitating safe transit routes across the region and providing assistance and protection to migrants. It is essential that states provide permanent, accessible and affordable regularization mechanisms.

In this critical moment, we express our solidarity with the social leaders and Venezuelan organizations working to defend human rights. Their courage and commitment to democracy are invaluable contributions to the pursuit of peace and social justice in Latin America.

The undersigned organizations join the appeal of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging Venezuelan authorities to respect the rights to protest and freedom of expression. We express our commitment to the need for peaceful political solutions to the crisis that strengthen democracy in the region and do not fuel violence and authoritarianism.

Signed by: Dejusticia – Center for Law, Justice, and Society Studies (Colombia);  

Cels – Center for Legal and Social Studies (Argentina);  Movimiento en Resistencia Contra las Agresiones Oculares del Esmad (MOCAO);   Temblores NGO (Colombia); Sisma Mujer Corporation; ILEX Acción Jurídica; Conectas Human Rights; Pro-Human Rights Association – APRODEH (Perú); Observatorio Ciudadano (Chile); ARTIGO 19 Brazil and South America; KHRC – Kenya Human Rights Commission (Kenya); ICCL – Irish Council for Civil Liberties (Ireland); The Alliance of Ecuadorian Human Rights Organizations (Alianza de Organizaciones por los Derechos Humanos del Ecuador). Venezolanos en Barranquilla (Colombia), Legal Clinic for Migrants at the University of the Andes (Colombia).