On November 7, 2024, the Academy on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law and the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) hosted a distinguished panel of experts to analyze the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. As part of the Fall 2024 Lecture Series, the event examined the implications of the post-election crisis from a human rights and rule of law perspective, shedding light on allegations of electoral fraud, political repression, and their broader impacts.

The panel featured prominent human rights advocates:

• Katya Salazar, Executive Director of the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF)
• Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, President of WOLA
• Angelita Baeyens, Vice President of Advocacy and International Litigation at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
• Luis Carlos Díaz, Venezuelan journalist and human rights defender
• Gabriel Ortiz Crespo, Program Coordinator at the Human Rights Academy and Venezuelan lawyer, who served as moderator

A Deep Dive Into Venezuela’s Crisis

The event provided a platform for experts to explore critical issues, including the rise in state violence and the erosion of freedoms such as expression and association. Panelists shared reports and studies that underscored the increase in government repression since the elections, highlighting the impact on vulnerable groups like activists, journalists, and opposition leaders.

The discussion also focused on the role of international organizations and civil society in documenting human rights violations and advocating for change. Experts examined how sanctions, investigations, and monitoring mechanisms have been used to pressure the Venezuelan government toward greater accountability and electoral transparency.

Regional Solidarity and Global Collaboration

Panelists emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions in Latin America and fostering regional and international solidarity. They proposed practical solutions, such as enhancing accountability mechanisms and establishing observatories to monitor human rights violations. The discussion underscored the critical role of international forums in raising awareness and addressing the ongoing crisis.

Context and Significance

The event occurred at a pivotal moment for Venezuela, as accusations of electoral fraud and intensified government repression threatened democratic stability. Reports of arbitrary detentions, media censorship, and harassment of civil society leaders have raised alarms across the international community.

By convening this panel, the Academy sought to provide an in-depth analysis of these developments while fostering dialogue on potential interventions to support Venezuelans in their pursuit of democracy and human rights.

Additional Resources

For a more comprehensive understanding of Venezuela’s post-election crisis, refer to:

• Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (OHCHR, September 2024)
• International Media Analyses from outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian
• Statements from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch highlighting the need for urgent action

This panel exemplifies the Academy’s commitment to providing a forum for critical discussions on pressing human rights issues in Latin America and beyond.