ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela, and condemns the United States’ military attack and the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on 3 January 2026. We agree with the interpretation that this action constitutes a violation of international law, including the UN Charter, as well as the US Constitution, and sets a highly dangerous precedent in the region, and around the world. The attack risks worsening the grave human rights situation in Venezuela. We call for the international community to focus efforts on ensuring a just and peaceful democratic transition in the country, and the protection for journalists, rights defenders, activists, and all those at risk for exercising their rights.
ARTICLE 19 is concerned that the attacks bring further uncertainty and risk to the people of Venezuela, who have endured decades of human rights violations in the country. The escalation of the institutional crisis, following the rejection of the results of the presidential election in 2024, and the brutal repression that followed, have exacerbated the daily suffering affecting all Venezuelans.
As human rights organisations in Latin America, including ARTICLE 19 Brazil and South America and ARTICLE 19 Mexico and Central America, have warned, the new political reality could lead to further escalation of repression, especially for human rights defenders and political activists who have for years denounced and exposed the Maduro government’s crimes. On Monday, 5 January, at least 14 journalists were detained in Caracas, with many having their equipment confiscated and searched. Five had been covering the opening session of the National Assembly, where they were banned from recording, taking photos or, live-transmitting the event.
What Venezuelan people deserve now is a democratic transition, and for those responsible for serious human rights violations to be investigated and brought to justice. All political prisoners in Venezuela must be immediately released.
We unequivocally affirm that Nicolás Maduro and other officials allegedly involved in grave human rights violations must face genuine accountability rather than impunity. Allegations documented by numerous international and regional mechanisms and civil society, including the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, should be addressed through comprehensive, speedy, and independent investigations and, if supported by credible evidence, brought before an independent and impartial court. Victims and survivors have a right to know the truth about what happened, who was responsible, and why abuses occurred, as well as a right to obtain justice, reparation, and concrete guarantees that such violations will not be repeated.
Any resolution to the country’s crisis must be grounded in respect for human rights and centre Venezuelan society in the shaping its own future.
At the same time, we believe that nothing can legitimise the unilateral imposition of the logic of ‘might is right’. The suggestions by the US administration that the United States is now ‘in charge’ of Venezuela, or that it would ‘coerce’ collaboration from the government, disregard the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination.
More broadly, the US attack on Venezuela further undermines international law, including Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, a ‘bedrock’ of the rules-based system. It also poses a serious threat to peace and democracy in Latin America as a whole. We fear that the US actions may embolden hardline actors, deepen polarisation, and weaken efforts to resolve conflicts through regional diplomacy and public participation rather than through violence. Further, we are convinced that the US is paving the way for legitimising unilateral action by other states. Governments such as Russia and China can similarly frame their own actions against other states as acceptable exceptions, eroding state sovereignty of smaller and less powerful countries.
Finally, as a freedom of expression organisation, we are alarmed by the way the US administration has, in the weeks prior and after the attack, promoted highly selective and, in some instances, misleading accounts to justify its actions. This distorts public understanding of the situation and undermines the conditions for informed, pluralistic debate about US actions and their legality. It is also extremely concerning that similar narratives and threats are now being directed at other countries in Latin America, further shrinking the space for independent journalism, critical voices, and democratic participation across the region.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the international community to redouble its efforts to secure a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela based on human rights, respect of democratic principles and multilateral collaboration. States must unequivocally reaffirm their commitment to the rules-based order and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Failure to do so now will only serve to further weaken the international system that is meant to safeguard peace, justice, and the rights of all.