“Human Rights Watch is deeply concerned that recent US sanctions on Venezuela will further exacerbate the suffering of the Venezuelan people. While the purchase of food and medicine is in theory excluded from the sanctions, foreign providers fearing punishment under the sanctions may limit their transactions with Venezuelan authorities in ways that could seriously harm even more Venezuelans’ economic and social rights.
Strong international pressure – including through targeted smart sanctions against individuals responsible for serious human rights violations – is critical to press the Maduro regime to curb its egregious abuses and end the suffering of the Venezuelan people.”
– Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas executive director, Human Rights Watch
