“We are closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, which is currently marked by new tensions, widespread protests and a climate of great uncertainty that is directly affecting the civilian population. We can confirm that all CESVI local staff in the country are well and safe and, despite the situation being characterised by great confusion, activities are continuing. We continue to work in full compliance with humanitarian principles, calling for the fundamental rights of individuals to be guaranteed and for international law to be respected, starting with the protection of civilians and the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children and adolescents who are particularly exposed to violence, exploitation and serious protection risks,” said Stefano Piziali, General Director of CESVI.
The last few hours in Venezuela have been marked by an escalation of social and political tensions, with a growing impact on the living conditions of the population, already severely affected by years of economic crisis, forced migration and reduced access to essential services. Even before the recent events, millions of people in Venezuela were living in conditions of severe vulnerability, with significant and persistent humanitarian needs, particularly in terms of protection, health and access to fundamental rights.
CESVI has been present in the country since 1999 and is active with multisectoral humanitarian interventions focused on protection. Present in the states of Falcón, Zulia and Amazonas, it has reached over 13,000 people in the last year.
CESVI’s interventions focus on preventing and responding to gender-based violence, protecting children, particularly separated or “dejados atrás” minors, and preventing and combating human trafficking through psychosocial support, legal assistance, case management and capacity building for local institutions and communities.
‘At times like these,’ concludes Piziali, ‘it is essential that the international community keeps the spotlight on Venezuela and guarantees humanitarian space, safe access to aid and the protection of human rights. CESVI will continue to do its part, alongside the communities most affected.’
CESVI projects in Venezuela
CESVI operates in Venezuela with an integrated approach that combines protection, health, psychosocial support and strengthening of local systems. Since 2022, the organisation has been engaged in a humanitarian response focused primarily on protecting the most vulnerable people, particularly women, children and adolescents.
Activities include the prevention of and response to gender-based violence through individual and group psychosocial support, case management, legal assistance, referral to services and access to protected facilities for high-risk situations. Specific attention is paid to child protection, with interventions in favour of separated or unaccompanied minors, including legal assistance for identity recognition, support for caregivers and the strengthening of community protection mechanisms.
CESVI also works to prevent and combat human trafficking through awareness-raising activities, integrated assistance to survivors and capacity building for local institutions. The programmes are accompanied by prevention, data collection and analysis activities in coordination with OCHA, and a disaster risk reduction component to ensure a timely response in the event of extreme natural events.