Venezuela’s Aid Agreement: An Imperative Leap Forward

Delays in Establishing UN-Administered Aid Fund in Venezuela Exacerbate Humanitarian Emergency

The Urgency of Aid in Venezuela

According to a statement released by Human Rights Watch, the delays in establishing a UN-administered aid fund for Venezuela are worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. Despite an agreement signed in November 2022 between the government of Nicolas Maduro and the opposition to increase humanitarian aid, the fund, which would be established using frozen government assets in other countries, has yet to come to fruition. This delay is unacceptable given the urgent needs of the Venezuelan people.

HumVenezuela, an independent platform monitoring the humanitarian emergency, estimates that 66% of Venezuela‘s population, or 19 million people, require assistance, and 65% have already lost or exhausted their means of livelihood. The situation is further complicated by the increasing number of Venezuelans attempting to cross the treacherous Darién Gap in search of better living conditions in the United States or other Latin American countries. Among the reasons cited for leaving the country are persecution and harsh economic conditions.

The Escalating Crisis and Deteriorating Conditions

The magnitude of the crisis becomes more apparent when considering that over 7.3 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014, with 92.9% of households having at least one member who has emigrated. The lack of access to basic necessities is staggering, with over 55% of households estimated to spend all their income on food, and 22.7% unable to afford sufficient food altogether. Additionally, Venezuela has the highest prevalence of undernourishment in South America, according to the UN Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition.

Access to medical services is equally dire, with 8.4 million gravely ill people facing obstacles in obtaining necessary care due to a lack of electricity and running water in hospitals. Despite some improvements in drug shortages since 2018, more than 9 million people still cannot afford the medicines they need. The situation is untenable and requires immediate action.

The Need for Swift and Transparent Action

Under the agreement reached in November, the frozen government reserves abroad would be invested in a UN-administered trust fund aimed at providing assistance for healthcare, food, education, and electricity. However, the establishment of the fund has been marred by inaction from the Maduro government in identifying and releasing frozen assets abroad, delays from foreign governments and banks, and slow action from the UN itself.

The Biden administration has finally offered to shield the fund from creditors seeking to seize the money to repay Venezuelan debts, but further negotiations between the government and the opposition have been stalled, with each side blaming the other for failing to fulfill their responsibilities under the agreement. It is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the needs of the Venezuelan people and take concrete actions to ensure the swift implementation of the aid agreement.

Ensuring Neutrality and Accountability

Human Rights Watch emphasizes the importance of ensuring that aid reaches all those in need in a non-political manner and adheres to the principle of neutrality. The distribution of assistance must be transparent and accountable to prevent any misuse of funds or favoritism. Additionally, foreign governments that hold Venezuelan assets in their banks should promptly act to protect these assets and transfer them to the humanitarian fund without further delay.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The lives and well-being of millions of Venezuelans hang in the balance. The agreement reached in November represents a crucial first step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis. Implementing this agreement must be prioritized, and all stakeholders must fulfill their commitments. Failure to do so not only perpetuates the suffering of the Venezuelan people but also undermines the credibility of future negotiations and international humanitarian efforts.

Disclaimer:

This report is based on information available as of August 9, 2023, and may not reflect the most current developments in the situation.