Venezuela has faced years of economic collapse, political instability, hyperinflation, and the impact of economic sanctions, compounded by floods, landslides, and other climate shocks. Recent political upheaval, including the reported seizure of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, has added further uncertainty to an already volatile situation. Despite the turmoil, nearly 8 million people—more than a quarter of the population—are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The United Nations Office at Geneva
The United Nations maintains a broad operational presence in Venezuela, with agencies working on food security, healthcare, gender equality, education, decent work, water and sanitation, and peacebuilding. Organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) continue to deliver life‑saving aid and essential services, from food distributions and nutrition screenings to maternal care and clean water projects. Following recent political developments, UN leadership in the country is assessing needs to ensure humanitarian support can be scaled up if required.
Global Issues
The human rights situation in Venezuela remains a core concern for the UN. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has warned of deepening repression, increased threats to journalists and human rights defenders, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances. The UN has stressed that accountability for long‑documented abuses, including extrajudicial killings and gender‑based violence, must not be overshadowed by the current political crisis.
The United Nations Office at Geneva
The humanitarian crisis has triggered a long‑running exodus, with millions of Venezuelans fleeing repression, instability, and economic hardship. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) coordinate a regional response across 17 countries, helping more than 4.5 million Venezuelans in Latin America and the Caribbean obtain regular status and access to documentation, protection, and basic services. The latest regional plan seeks $1.4 billion to support around 2.3 million vulnerable people, focusing on jobs, education, healthcare, and protection.
Global Issues
Despite the ongoing UN commitment to uphold Venezuelans’ dignity and protection, resources remain stretched. In 2025, only about 17 percent of the over $600 million required for Venezuela’s Humanitarian Response Plan had been received, and UN officials warn that without increased funding, aid agencies may be forced to scale back support at a moment of heightened need. Political turmoil may dominate headlines, but the UN’s mission to keep humanitarian lifelines open, defend human rights, and support Venezuelans both inside the country and beyond its borders continues amid a crisis with global consequences
