In 2023, Venezuela enacted the “Law for the Control, Regularization, Performance and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organizations,” a move that sent shockwaves through its already fragile civil society. This law imposes severe restrictions on NGOs operating within the country, forcing them to register with the government, disclose detailed information on their funding and leadership, and submit regular reports on their activities. But these measures are far more than administrative requirements—they are, as critics argue, deliberate tactics to crush dissent and control organizations advocating for human rights, democracy, and social justice.
A Stifling of Civil Society
At the heart of the anti-NGO law lies an alarming provision: any organization deemed to be acting against “national interests” or engaging in political activities can be dissolved by the government. The term “national interests” is left so vague that it grants authorities broad power to target virtually any NGO critical of the regime. For human rights defenders, this creates a suffocating atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. NGOs working to expose arbitrary arrests, police violence, and repression of free speech now operate under constant threat of being shut down.
The government’s intent is clear—to diminish the ability of civil society organizations to function independently and limit their capacity to hold the state accountable. Human rights groups, many of which rely on foreign aid, face constant pressure, as their funding sources are scrutinized, often under the guise of national security concerns. This not only reduces transparency but also cuts Venezuela off from international networks that provide essential humanitarian and advocacy resources.
A Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The timing of the anti-NGO law could not be more critical, as Venezuela grapples with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. With public institutions in a state of near-collapse, NGOs have taken on the crucial role of delivering food, healthcare, and legal aid to millions of Venezuelans. However, the law’s impact has already forced many organizations to scale back their operations or shut down entirely, further exacerbating the suffering of ordinary citizens.
The weakened presence of civil society also strips vulnerable populations of vital support. Legal aid for those facing unjust imprisonment or abuse is dwindling, leaving victims of state repression with fewer avenues for justice. By clamping down on NGOs, the government is effectively isolating Venezuelans from both internal and international assistance, deepening the already dire economic and political crises.
A Global Backlash
Internationally, Venezuela’s anti-NGO law has sparked widespread condemnation. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, have expressed alarm at the legislation’s impact on freedoms of association, expression, and assembly. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has described the law as a direct threat to civil society, calling on Venezuela to reverse its course.
Countries like the United States and members of the European Union have also denounced the law, arguing that it violates international human rights standards. Diplomatic measures and targeted sanctions against Venezuelan officials have been enacted in an effort to pressure the government into protecting civil society. Yet, despite this global outrage, the Venezuelan regime remains defiant, framing the law as a necessary step to protect national sovereignty from foreign interference.
International Human Rights Protections: A Lifeline for Civil Society?
The crackdown on NGOs in Venezuela stands in stark contrast to international human rights norms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly—rights that are indispensable for the operation of NGOs. These protections are reinforced by international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which explicitly recognizes the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
Furthermore, the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted in 1998, affirms that individuals and organizations should be free to promote and protect human rights without interference. It underscores that governments have an obligation to create an enabling environment for civil society, free from undue restrictions such as arbitrary dissolution, excessive reporting requirements, or censorship.
Regional systems, like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), also provide mechanisms to challenge government actions that violate these principles. According to these frameworks, any limitations imposed on NGOs must be necessary, proportionate, and aimed at protecting legitimate public interests such as national security or public health, not as a means to stifle dissent.
The Road Ahead
The anti-NGO law represents a dangerous escalation in Venezuela’s long-standing authoritarian tactics. It curbs the voices of those advocating for democracy and human rights while tightening the government’s control over civil society. In the face of growing international pressure, the Venezuelan government may find itself increasingly isolated on the world stage, but the brunt of the law’s impact will be felt most acutely by the Venezuelan people.
For activists worldwide, the situation in Venezuela serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of civil society under authoritarian regimes. The fight for human rights must continue, both within Venezuela and globally, to ensure that those on the frontlines of advocacy are not silenced but empowered. The international community must stand firm, applying consistent pressure and offering support to those courageous enough to continue their work in the face of repression. Only through collective action can we hope to preserve the essential role of NGOs in promoting justice and defending human rights in Venezuela.