Comunicado de solidaridad ante la emergencia causada por los terremotos en Venezuela

The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, have prompted a strong statement of solidarity and a series of urgent calls to action from a significant coalition of regional and international human rights organizations. In a joint declaration, Regionar and the Coalition of Organizations of Human Rights of the Americas have expressed their profound empathy for the Venezuelan people and all those affected by the catastrophic seismic events. The organizations lamented the tragic loss of life, the multitude of injuries, and the extensive material damage inflicted by this natural disaster.

Scale of the Disaster and Humanitarian Principles

The earthquakes, which registered significant magnitudes and caused widespread destruction, have plunged numerous communities into crisis. Initial reports, though still being fully assessed, indicate a severe humanitarian situation, with critical infrastructure damaged and essential services disrupted. In such moments of profound vulnerability, the signatory organizations emphasized the indispensable need for a humanitarian response guided by the core principles of humanity, impartiality, and independence. They stressed that assistance must reach all affected individuals and communities promptly and without any form of discrimination, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they desperately need. The gravity of the situation demands a swift and equitable distribution of aid, prioritizing life-saving interventions and the immediate well-being of survivors.

Demands for Transparency and Access

A central tenet of the coalition’s statement is a direct appeal to the governing authorities of Venezuela. They are urged to guarantee immediate and unimpeded access to timely, complete, and verifiable public information regarding the full scope of the emergency and the ongoing response efforts. The organizations underscore that accurate and accessible information is not merely a matter of transparency; it is a critical component that saves lives. This information empowers the affected population to make informed decisions, facilitates the arduous process of locating missing family members, and enables individuals to access the necessary assistance and resources for survival and recovery. The absence of such information can exacerbate the suffering and hinder effective relief operations.

Furthermore, the statement explicitly calls for the immediate removal of any restrictions that impede the work of civil society organizations and humanitarian actors. The coalition asserts that these entities are vital partners in providing assistance, protection, and support for the recovery of affected communities. By enabling their full participation, authorities can leverage the expertise, reach, and dedication of these organizations to supplement and enhance governmental relief efforts. The collaborative engagement of all stakeholders, including local communities, national organizations, and international bodies, is crucial for a comprehensive and effective response.

International Call for Support and Reconstruction

Recognizing the immense scale of the devastation, the coalition has also issued an urgent exhortation to the international community. They implore global actors to strengthen their support for the Venezuelan people. This support, they emphasize, should not only involve the mobilization of essential resources but also a coordinated effort to address the most pressing humanitarian needs. Beyond immediate relief, the call extends to accompanying Venezuela through the complex and lengthy processes of reconstruction and recovery. This long-term commitment must be undertaken with an unwavering respect for human rights and the inherent dignity of all affected individuals.

Background and Context of the Earthquakes

While specific details of the seismic events continue to be compiled by geological agencies, the earthquakes on June 24, 2026, represent a significant natural disaster for Venezuela, a country that has faced multifaceted challenges in recent years. The seismic activity, originating from tectonic plate movements in the Caribbean region, has historically posed a risk to certain areas of Venezuela. The intensity of these tremors and their widespread impact underscore the vulnerability of the nation’s infrastructure and its population to such natural hazards. The long-term consequences will undoubtedly extend beyond immediate relief, impacting economic stability, social cohesion, and the overall development trajectory of the affected regions.

The specific geological setting of Venezuela, situated in a seismically active zone, means that earthquakes are a recurring threat. However, the magnitude and destructive potential of the June 24th events appear to have surpassed previous significant tremors, leading to widespread damage and a significant humanitarian crisis. The interplay of the natural disaster with pre-existing socio-economic vulnerabilities within Venezuela will likely complicate relief and recovery efforts, making the coordinated and principled approach advocated by the human rights organizations even more critical.

Chronology of Events and Initial Responses

• June 24, 2026: Multiple seismic shocks of significant magnitude strike Venezuela. Initial reports of widespread damage, casualties, and infrastructure failures begin to emerge. Emergency services are immediately activated, facing immense challenges due to the scale of the disaster.
• June 25, 2026: Search and rescue operations intensify. International aid offers begin to be extended, and assessment teams are deployed to determine the extent of the damage and the most urgent needs. Communication networks are severely impacted in affected areas, hindering coordination.
• June 26, 2026: The coalition of human rights organizations issues its joint statement, expressing solidarity and outlining key demands for the humanitarian response. Government officials provide initial figures on casualties and damage, while also acknowledging the challenges in reaching all affected areas.
• June 27, 2026 onwards: Focus shifts to establishing temporary shelters, providing essential supplies (food, water, medical aid), and beginning the process of debris removal and damage assessment for reconstruction planning. International humanitarian organizations begin to deploy personnel and resources on the ground, working in coordination with local authorities and civil society groups.

Supporting Data and Impact

While comprehensive data is still being gathered, preliminary assessments suggest that tens of thousands of people have been displaced, with a significant number of homes and buildings destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. The impact on critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and transportation networks, is substantial, further complicating the delivery of aid and the restoration of essential services. Access to clean water and sanitation is a growing concern in many affected areas, raising the risk of waterborne diseases. The economic repercussions are also expected to be severe, impacting livelihoods and exacerbating existing poverty levels. The psychological toll on survivors, witnessing such destruction and loss, is immeasurable and will require long-term mental health support.

Broader Implications and Analysis

The earthquakes in Venezuela serve as a stark reminder of the persistent vulnerability of many nations to natural disasters, particularly in regions already grappling with complex socio-political and economic challenges. The response to this crisis will be a critical test of both national capacity and international solidarity. The emphasis placed by the human rights organizations on principled humanitarian action, transparency, and the inclusion of civil society is paramount.

The call for the elimination of restrictions on humanitarian actors is particularly significant. In contexts where state capacity may be strained or where political considerations can sometimes complicate aid delivery, enabling independent humanitarian organizations to operate freely is essential to ensure that aid reaches those most in need, irrespective of their political affiliation or geographic location. The success of the recovery and reconstruction phases will hinge on sustained international commitment, equitable resource allocation, and a governance framework that prioritizes the well-being and rights of its citizens. The long-term impact on regional stability and migration patterns will also be a crucial factor to monitor in the coming months and years.

Signatories’ Commitment

The extensive list of signatories, comprising national, regional, and global organizations dedicated to human rights advocacy, underscores the gravity with which this situation is being viewed across the Americas and beyond. Their collective voice amplifies the urgent need for a humane, effective, and rights-based response. The statement concludes with a reiteration of their unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and their enduring commitment to the protection of human rights throughout the region, signaling a continued engagement in monitoring the situation and advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected by this natural catastrophe.

Signatories:

• Alianza de Organizaciones por los Derechos Humanos del Ecuador (Ecuador)
• Asociación Memoria y Justicia (Costa Rica)
• Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (Perú)
• Asociación Indígena Mapuche Taiñ Adkimn (Chile)
• Centro de Documentación en Derechos Humanos “Segundo Montes Mozo SJ” (CSMM) (Ecuador)
• Centro Jurídico por los Derechos Humanos (Honduras)
• Centro Loyola Ayacucho (Perú)
• CIVILIS (Venezuela)
• Colectivo de Abogados “José Alvear Restrepo” – CAJAR (Colombia)
• Conferencia Nacional de Organizaciones Afrocolombianas (C.N.O.A.) (Colombia)
• Consultoría para los Derechos Humanos y el Desplazamiento (Colombia)
• Corporación Humanas (Chile)
• Equipo Jurídico por los Derechos Humanos (Honduras)
• Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación (Honduras)
• Fundación Ecuménica para el Desarrollo y la Paz (FEDEPAZ) (Perú)
• Fundación Mahuampi Venezuela (Colombia)
• Fundación para la Justicia (México)
• Instituto de Defensa Legal (Perú)
• Movimiento Autónomo de Mujeres Nicaragua– (Costa Rica)
• Movimiento de Mujeres Dominico Haitiana (República Dominicana)
• Organización Social Salvador (Uruguay)
• Programa Venezolano de Educación-Acción en Derechos Humanos (PROVEA) (Venezuela)
• Red para la Infancia y la Adolescencia de El Salvador (RIA) (El Salvador)
• Servicio Jesuita para Migrantes Costa Rica (Costa Rica)

Regional, Subregional, and Global Signatories:

• American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) (Global)
• ARTICLE 19 México y Centroamérica (Regional Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Cuba y Nicaragua)
• Campaña Latinoamericana por el Derecho a la Educación (Regional América Latina y el Caribe)
• Centro de Derechos Reproductivos (Regional)
• Centro de Investigación e Incidencia para Centroamérica (CIIC) (Subregional Centroamérica)
• Centro por la Justicia y el Derecho Internacional (Regional)
• CIVICUS, Alianza Global para la Participación Ciudadana (Global)
• Fundación para el Debido Proceso (DPLF) / Due Process of Law Foundation (Regional)
• Instituto Internacional de Derechos Humanos (Regional)
• Instituto Internacional sobre Raza, Igualdad y Derechos Humanos (Regional)
• Latin America Working Group (LAWG) (Regional)
• Servicio Jesuita a Refugiados para Latinoamérica y el Caribe (Regional)
• Red de Coaliciones Centroamericanas por los Derechos de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes (REDESCA) (Subregional, Centroamérica)
• Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (Global)
• Tejiendo Redes Infancia en América Latina y el Caribe (Regional América Latina y el Caribe)