I. Regional Responses to the Crisis in Venezuela

Spanish Translation (cries.org)

Venezuela is currently experiencing a major political, economic, and humanitarian crisis. Characterized by the anti-democratic actions of Nicolás Maduro’s government, the internal economic collapse, and increasingly difficult situations for Venezuelans, the crisis has resulted in higher rates of poverty, food and drug shortages, and the widespread violation of human rights. Public policies promoted by the government have deepened this crisis, leading millions to mobilize in protests.

In this context, the Stanley Center and CRIES (Regional Coordinator of Economic and Social Research) organized a workshop that took place July 25–26, 2017, in Panama City. Entitled “Regional Responses to the Crisis in Venezuela,” the meeting brought together experts on human rights, conflict, migration, and foreign policy, as well as representatives of civil society organizations from 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss the characteristics of crisis, the impact of migration on neighboring countries, and how regional actors can help to defuse the conflict and mitigate its impact in Venezuela and the region.

This Policy Memo reflects the workshop discussion and includes collectively defined elements on the characteristics of the crisis and recommendations for policy makers and civil society organizations at the national and regional levels.