As residents of the United Sates, we often take certain services for granted. This includes access to basic shelter, food, and healthcare. In addition, we are believed to be protected under our constitution. This is not always the case in other American countries. In recent years Venezuela has been subjected to increased violence, food shortages, lack of healthcare, etc. under their government. Although under the late President Hugo Chavez, their was some discontent, Chavez was largely loved and respected by his community. Following his death in 2013, Nicolas Maduro took chair as President. Under this new government, Venezuelan’s have experienced living conditions that some have called human right violations. On February 12, 2014, following an attempted rape of a college student, many students took to the streets to demand justice. This would continue for months as it seems Venezuelans are no longer willing to endure the current living standard given by the government.
“Venezuelan students clash with riot police during protest.”
The above image, shows an altercation between students and police that has often resulted in numerous deaths. According to detainees, once in custody, many are denied a fair trail, are tortured, among other things. These protests have largely been a result of continued economic deficits. It is important to be conscious of that fact that Venezuela is home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, yet its citizens fail to see the economic benefit. In fact, by December 2014, inflation rose over 64 percent. As a result of devalued currency, many have not been able to obtain access to basic food supply. Grocery stores are being left emptied, and many line up in the hopes to buy something before everything runs out. Additionally, Venezuela is seeing a severe decline in healthcare access. A once prideful healthcare system, now no longer has access to even basic medical supplies such as gaze, needles, and antibiotics. Without government help, doctors no longer have the means to help and treat patients. Patients are forced to go and find adequate supplies on their own. As a result, many are left untreated, causing death among some. While hospitals and doctors point fingers towards the government for not providing necessary materials, the government is pointing the blame on pharmaceutical companies, stating that they are not involved.
Venezuelan’s lining up at a pharmacy in hopes to buy medical supplies.
Due to the living conditions, Maduro and his administration has received extreme backlash in regards to social, economic, and cultural human rights violations. On June 29 and 30, 2015, Venezuela was part of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland.[1] Many Non-governmental organizations such as “Programa Venezolano de Educacion-Acción en Derechos Humanos and United Nations Watch were in attendance with reports that gave evidence of the human rights violations in Venezuela. One report stated that the government had denied a judge by the name of Maria Lourdes Afiuni, a proper trial. In addition, she had been tortured and raped while in custody. Countless have stated that this is not an isolated event, but one that occurs often since the protests first began. [1] Hugo Perez Hernaiz and David Smilde. “UN Human Rights Committee Examines Venezuela on Political and Civil Rights” Venezuela Blog on Tumblr. 09 July 2015. Venezuelan officials have largely denied accusations with regards to human rights violations. They have stated that other officials such as those who attended the Human Rights Committee are out to make Venezuela “Look like the devil.” In addition, they have publicly announced that there are no human right violations in Venezuela. In addition, the United States has taken an aggressive stance against Venezuela. In March 2015, President Barack Obama announced a sanction on seven Venezuelan officials and gave a statement saying ““Venezuela is a threat to foreign policy and no Venezuelan officials who violate human rights will be welcomed to the country.”[2] Venezuelan officials responded saying that the “United States is a threat to themselves and the world.” Maduro and his supporters have urged Obama to lift the sanctions.
President Nicolas Madruo (on the right) and his supporter asking President Obama to repeal the executive order, which sanctioned seven Venezuelan officials from entering the United Sates.
[2] Betsy, Klein. “White House sanctions Venezuela or rights abuses, corruption” CNN POLITICS. 09 March 2015 In June 2015 “The Summit of the Americas” was held in Panama. The United Sates hoped that here other American countries would support them, however, many Latin American countries are reluctant to speak out against their neighbors, as many have business deals with Venezuela. Venezuela is not new to such violence. But as the months pass by, conditions seem to worsen, leaving many to wonder when the violence will end and if Venezuelan executives will be held accountable. For now it appears that the population will continue resisting government oppression. Below is a video that depicts the current situation in
For complete report/Dossier click here: Venezuela; Resistencia Contra el Gobierno
Venezuela.
