Restrictions on NGOs and press hinder Venezuela's earthquake response, warns journalist

Journalist Luis Carlos Díaz has warned that Venezuela's ability to respond to the earthquakes of June 24 was severely hampered by years of government restrictions targeting civil society organizations and the press. He argued that the current humanitarian system's weaknesses are a direct consequence of these policies.

Díaz pointed to the "Citgo Report" of 2024, which led to the elimination of several NGOs and the exile of their staff, as a major blow. This action, he explained, resulted in the departure of specialized personnel with crucial technical expertise in emergency response and humanitarian aid.

The journalist also criticized the state's treatment of foreign aid workers, stating it has diminished international confidence in channeling assistance to Venezuela. He stressed the importance of free journalism during emergencies, noting that media coverage is essential for documenting needs and facilitating aid delivery. Díaz recalled past instances, like the Aragua vaguada, where journalists faced threats and expulsion, hindering their ability to report on critical situations.

Furthermore, Díaz linked the current difficulties to the 2023 judicial intervention of the Venezuelan Red Cross. He described the Supreme Court's appointment of a restructuring board as a "grave violation of the right of association" that compromised the institution's autonomy and negatively impacted Venezuela's international rankings. He called for the repeal of laws restricting NGO operations, arguing they impede vital humanitarian work.

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Estamos pagando la factura de que Jorge Rodríguez, la AN (Asamblea Nacional) y el chavismo en general hayan perseguido a las organizaciones humanitarias con el ’Informe Citgo’ de 2024, que significó la eliminación de varias ONG y el exilio de muchos de sus directivos y trabajadores.