Additional Context: This quote was collected by Human Rights Watch, or HRW, in an interview with a Venezuelan civil society representative who chose to remain anonymous.

Many organizations supporting political prisoners and their families continued to work without pay after most of their funding was lost due to U.S. cuts. HRW notes that at the time of the interview the group had been struggling to carry out its work to the same extent as before the cuts, including gathering evidence for international legal bodies such as the International Criminal Court. Most of their work providing assistance for victims and their families was terminated, including psychosocial support, legal representation, transportation to court hearings and assistance obtaining legal documents.

Devex Researcher Note: Venezuelan civil society organizations faced U.S. funding cuts at the same time that the Maduro government severely restricted their ability to operate in the country. Since November 2024, civil society groups have been required to obtain government approval to operate in the country, which was often based on information about their sources of funding and other political criteria. This law has not been repealed under the new Rodriguéz administration, continuing the restrictions on the ability of groups to plan ahead and reduce security risks.

Source: Human Rights Watch