Devastating earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, 2026, leaving in their wake countless victims, including thousands of people killed, injured, displaced, unhoused, or otherwise affected. Constantly rising official figures are considered to not yet represent the extent of the disaster. Venezuelan authorities must ensure that human rights law and standards guide relief operations. Special measures are needed to protect people in situations of heightened vulnerability, including children and older people. The role of journalists who offer critical information to the public must be protected.
Call on the acting president to ensure relief efforts respect humanitarian principles and human rights law.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: August 10, 2026
Here is how you can take action:
- Send a letter to the Venezuelan authorities
- Post on social media
Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).
Ms. Acting President,
I stand in solidarity with all those directly or indirectly affected by the terrible earthquakes, aftershocks and disaster that have hit Venezuela since June 24.
The emergency response plan and humanitarian efforts to assist all those affected by this disaster must follow the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. This includes refraining from any form of discrimination in the provision and deployment of humanitarian assistance.
Critically, the role of journalists and independent media must be fully protected. National and international journalists who are currently attempting to gather and share information of public interest must be allowed to do so as a way of providing vital information that might save lives and protect those in urgent need of rescue, assistance, and relief. Guaranteeing freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and access to information includes lifting bans and closures of media outlets and online media platforms in accordance with international law and standards.
The life, personal integrity, and safety of children and older people, who are and will continue to be particularly impacted by this disaster, should be most urgently and carefully guaranteed.
I call on you to provide relief and respond to the earthquakes in compliance with humanitarian and disaster relief standards as well as with international human rights law, protecting the freedom of the press and those most vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization, including children and older people.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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