The human rights situation in Venezuela has reached a dire situation as a result of the economic and political crisis that embattles the country. In the last year alone, thousands of Venezuelans fled to neighboring states triggering a regional mass migration crisis, adding more challenges to already struggling countries. This situation is compounded by the upcoming elections on May 20, 2018 that have been strongly rejected by some states as a farce of the Maduro administration to remain in power. In spite of the existing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, so far there has not been a strong role played by international institutions to change the conditions on the ground. The panel will address the strategies that have been pursued at the advocacy, legal and political levels, the obstacles that have prevented more tangible gains, as well as the challenges that remain ahead for the work of international institutions to have a real impact in the fluid situation that affects Venezuela.
Speakers:
Carlos Ayala, Vice-president, International Commission of Jurists
Viviana Krsticevic, Executive Director, Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)
Luis Almagro, Secretary General, Organization of American States (OAS)
John Cerone, Senior Professor in International Affairs & Law at The University of Windsor, Faculty of Law
Moderator: Sandra Colliver Senior Team Manager, Open Society Justice Initiative