Human Rights Watch Statement on Earthquakes in Venezuela

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(Washington, DC) – Two 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The government has reported that there were hundreds of victims, many of them missing, in addition to massive damage to homes and public infrastructure.

The following statement can be attributed to Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch:

“Human Rights Watch stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck the country. This tragedy comes on top of long-standing humanitarian and human rights crises that have beset the population for years.

As foreign governments, international institutions, and local civil society mobilize to rescue victims and provide humanitarian aid, Venezuelan authorities should unblock censored social media platforms and websites and allow all detainees, including political prisoners, to communicate with their families.”