Venezuela Solidarity Group Urges U.S. to Lift Sanctions After Deadly Earthquakes

The Venezuela Solidarity Campaign in Nigeria (VSCN) has demanded the immediate and unconditional removal of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela. The group argues that these economic restrictions are severely hampering humanitarian relief and reconstruction following devastating earthquakes that reportedly claimed over 2,000 lives and displaced more than 50,000 people.

In a statement released on Sunday, the VSCN highlighted the earthquakes as a humanitarian tragedy, causing widespread destruction to critical infrastructure. The organization expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, commending their resilience amid the disaster and years of economic hardship. The VSCN asserted that U.S. sanctions have weakened Venezuela's ability to respond to the emergency by limiting access to financial resources and restricting the import of vital medicines and equipment.

"There can be no moral or legal justification for maintaining an economic blockade against a country struggling to save lives and rebuild after a devastating natural disaster," the statement read. The VSCN urged the Nigerian government to publicly back the sanctions' removal, strengthen diplomatic ties with Venezuela, and contribute to international aid efforts. They also appealed to the African Union to reject unilateral coercive measures as violations of international law and encouraged African nations to support Venezuela's recovery.

Furthermore, the VSCN called upon the United Nations to enhance humanitarian assistance, ensuring sanctions do not obstruct emergency relief or reconstruction programs. The group also appealed to trade unions, youth organizations, civil society groups, and progressive political movements globally to oppose what they termed "economic warfare" and support Venezuela's right to self-determination without external interference. The VSCN reaffirmed its commitment to campaigning until the sanctions are lifted, insisting that political considerations should not impede Venezuela's recovery.

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There can be no moral or legal justification for maintaining an economic blockade against a country struggling to save lives and rebuild after a devastating natural disaster.