Overview

Crimes against humanity persisted and were committed with impunity. All branches of the state continued to persecute and severely punish real or perceived dissent against the government of Nicolás Maduro. Hundreds of people suffered arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance, as well as torture and other human rights violations, for opposing or criticizing the government. Many of these individuals were subjected to criminal proceedings that lacked judicial guarantees, being denied counsel of their own choosing, access to information on the charges against them, or the right to appear before an independent tribunal. Human rights defenders and journalists continued to be one of the main targets of the government’s policy of repression. Around 7.9 million Venezuelan refugees had fled the country since 2015. The humanitarian crisis persisted, with almost two million people dependent on international aid. No progress was made on sexual and reproductive rights. Discrimination against the LGBTI population and Indigenous Peoples continued and there was no legislative progress to promote their rights. Illegal mining and environmental devastation continued to generate concern.