Latin America, January 8, 2026— The 17 organizations that comprise the civil society organization Red Voces del Sur are deeply concerned about the escalating restrictions on freedom of expression, press freedom, and access to information in Venezuela, particularly in the aftermath of the events of January 3, 2026.
As of the release of this statement, Venezuelan civil society organizations have reported at least 14 arrests of journalists and media workers, as well as deportations of foreign reporters, media blockades, and limitations on access to public information. These actions severely hinder journalistic coverage at a time when the Venezuelan population needs reliable and timely information.
Guided by our mission to defend and promote press freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information in Latin America, Red Voces del Sur advocates for a peaceful and democratic solution that includes restoring guarantees of freedom and human rights, as well as civic space.
For decades, civil society organizations have documented widespread and systematic human rights violations in Venezuela, perpetrated by those in power who have co-opted institutions and disregarded the rule of law.
Any action to restore a democratic, just, and participatory society in Venezuela must be grounded in the state’s commitment to fully respect all human rights. The free exercise of journalism is essential to protecting journalists and social communicators, and respecting citizens’ freedom of expression is crucial to restoring democracy in Venezuela.
We demand the immediate release of the 20 journalists who remain imprisoned, part of the over 900 political prisoners. As a member of the United Nations and a signatory to international human rights covenants, the Venezuelan state has an obligation to ensure that local and international press can operate freely, allowing the population to access information of public interest.
Red Voces del Sur urges the Venezuelan state to cease its criminalization of journalism, restore access to information denied by censorship and media blockages, and comply with international standards on freedom of expression. We emphasize that no state or action can be above human rights and international law. We call for the strengthening of international mechanisms that promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Venezuelan society deserves a coordinated response based on democratic principles, which contributes to regional stability and protects the free exercise of journalism in Venezuela.