Crisis in Venezuela: Implications for Democracy, Human Rights, and the Environment

As the Wilson Center launches its series “Hemisphere of Prosperity and Freedom,” the situation in Venezuela is deteriorating, amid the persistent oppression, violence, and economic mismanagement of the Nicolás Maduro regime.

With the Mexico City negotiations between the regime and the democratic opposition stalled, the Venezuelan opposition is seeking to hold primaries on the heels of a decision to eliminate the interim government. Meanwhile, human rights conditions have worsened. A recent report by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela found that the regime “relies on the intelligence services and its agents to repress dissent in the country. In doing so, grave crimes and human rights violations are being committed, including acts of torture and sexual violence.”

In addition to human rights concerns, Venezuela is quickly becoming an epicenter of illegal gold mining and deforestation in the Amazon. Illegal mining provides income to the regime, finances armed groups, and damages sensitive ecosystems. A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned that “all gold originating within Venezuela should be considered high-risk.”

Select Quotes

Cristina V. Burelli

Executive Director and Co-Founder, V5 Initiative

Founder, SOSOrinoco

"Venezuela has the fastest deforestation rate the Americas."

"Maduro's 'Plan B'--like all other Venezuelans who have this 'Plan B'--his 'Plan B' is the Arco Minero.  This is their way of continuing to enrich themselves and plunder the country and remain in power."

Hon. Iván Duque Márquez

Chair and Distinguished Fellow, Iván Duque Center for Prosperity and Freedom, the Wilson Center

President of the Republic of Colombia (2018-2022)

"The case of Venezuela has to be part of this discussion because it is the viable demonstration of the absence of freedom and prosperity in the last 20 years."

"Venezuela still remains the gravest threat to the region's democracy and the region's security."

Hon. Mark A. Green

President and CEO, the Wilson Center

"We believe that policymakers and policy influencers need to put a greater focus on the challenges and opportunities in our hemisphere."

"Venezuela should be a fellow donor, not an aid-dependent."

Hon. P. Michael McKinley

US Ambassador to Peru (2007-2010), Colombia (2010-2013), Afghanistan (2014-2016), and Brazil (2017-2018)

"The situation is Venezuela politically and economically is at an inflection point."

Marta Valiñas

Chair, Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

"We see a link between what we see today, in terms of closure of radio stations, different forms of attack and intimidation of human rights defenders, and journalists; as I already mentioned, we see a link between that and what were other forms of repression were documented in years past."

Hon. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Congresswoman (FL-25)

"The crisis in Venezuela has infected Latin America."

"All involved parties are waiting for a clear sign for the United States regarding the viability of this fund; we simply cannot afford to miss out on an opportunity to sustain the negotiations which remain our best option for a peaceful resolution to this crisis."