US military intervention in Venezuela risks deepening humanitarian crisis

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Oxfam rejects the recent US military intervention in Venezuela as a violation of international law that risks further harm to civilians and deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

Tom Robinson/Oxfam

Oxfam emergency response

Venezuela’s crisis has forced more than 8 million people to flee, with 19.6 million in need of humanitarian assistance, but unlawful military action will only worsen suffering. Any solution must be peaceful, democratic, and led by Venezuelans themselves, with international support focused on protecting lives, human rights, and humanitarian access.

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Venezuelan civil society has been on the front lines, providing humanitarian aid and standing with those most affected by the crisis. Now more than ever, we must recognize and strengthen these efforts, supporting them as they continue to defend human rights, protect vulnerable people, and work toward restoring democracy.”

Gloria GarcíaParra, Regional Director of Oxfam in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Oxfam urges the international community and the governments of the region to:

  • Promote the peaceful resolution of the conflict, ensuring respect for human rights and the coverage of existing humanitarian needs, and urges them to avoid any action that puts people's lives and integrity at risk.
  • Reaffirm respect for sovereignty and international law, avoiding any action that erodes the autonomy of peoples and their institutions.
  • Guarantee the participation and involvement of civil society in decision-making that will enable the current crisis to be overcome within the framework of respect for democracy.
  • Recognise sovereign decisions on natural resources, such as oil, within the framework of each country's political guidelines and for the strict benefit of Venezuelans.
For more information on Oxfam's work in Latin America and the Caribbean, visit lac.oxfam.org

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The Oxfam confederation works in over 70 countries around the world. Oxfam GB is one of the 22 affiliates that make up the Oxfam confederation.