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Venezuela: What You Need to Know About the Renewal of the UN Fact-Finding Mission - Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Sources: Amnesty International, CIVICUS, Fédération internationale pour les droits humains, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, Human Rights Watch, International Service for Human Rights, Washington Office on Latin America, World Organisation Against Torture Please refer to the attached file. A document from civil society organizations, available in English and Spanish. 1. What is the fact-finding mission? An independent and rigorous scrutiny and investigation mechanism. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela (FFM) is a special mechanism created by the UN in 2019 to exercise scrutiny and investigate gross human rights violations in Venezuela. Its work has been highly regarded, and its continuity deemed necessary, so its mandate has been renewed in 2020 , 2022 , and 2024 for two-year periods. A victim and justice-centred mandate . The FFM exists to help victims obtain justice, and hold perpetrators accountable for human rights violations, in the absence of pathways to achieve this at the national level. Specifically, the FFM investigates extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, enforced disappearances, and sexual and gender-based violence, committed since 2014. A source of public, regular and reliable information. The FFM is composed of independent experts with extensive experience and expertise of international law. Its work is presented to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, allowing international scrutiny and the engagement of countries from around the world and civil society. Identification of suspected perpetrators: Between 2020 and 2026 , the FFM has identified a number of mid- and high-ranking perpetrators, chains of command within intelligence services and security forces, and a state policy against the civilian population who might be considered dissident that would constitute crimes against humanity, including persecution on political grounds. 2. Why must the mission be maintained until 2028? The conditions that warrant the existence of the FFM remain more valid than ever. The current context in Venezuela is volatile, and the social, humanitarian and human rights situation remain concerning. Since the concerning events of January 2026, some changes to the conduct of Venezuelan authorities have been observed, but the policy of repression remains intact, specifically in regard to its members, structures, and institutions. The June earthquakes have exposed the lack of protection of the Venezuelan population. Hundreds of people remain arbitrarily detained for political reasons, individuals identified as possible perpetrators of crimes against humanity, including those named by the FFM in its reports, continue to hold high-ranking government roles, and the government’s efforts to evade justice at the national and international levels have deepened. Evidence-based recommendations offer a verifiable roadmap. Continued reporting by the FFM will help guide the international community, and actors inside the country, in terms of necessary reforms to ensure reparation for, and the non-repetition of the human rights crisis that the country has suffered for long over a decade. Their analysis can also help the international community distinguish cosmetic reforms announced from meaningful changes to law and policy. Impunity breeds repetition. Efforts to secure a future in which human rights are protected in Venezuela must prioritize truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition for serious human rights violations and crimes under international law. The FFM’s investigations, reporting, and recommendations offer a unique body of ongoing work that serves as a guide for necessary changes in the country. Their continued efforts to build dossiers on – and publicly identify – individuals suspected of responsibility for crimes against humanity and other grave abuses is a key tool in this regard. 3. How is the FFM complementary to the work of the UN Human Rights Office and international justice mechanisms? Technical assistance and monitoring in the country. The renewal of the FFM’s mandate must go hand-in-hand with the renewal of the monitoring and cooperation mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), as has been the case since 2020. They are two different, complementary, and necessary mechanisms. While the FFM focuses on investigating gross human rights violations, with a view of combating impunity and ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims, robust public reporting, and provision of guidance and structural recommendations, the OHCHR monitors the human rights situation as a whole and offers technical assistance to the authorities in addition to its regular reporting. The FFM, like many other investigative bodies, has proved it is able to carry out robust investigations despite being barred from the country, but pressure should be increased now to allow them to visit.As two different and necessary mandates, staff of both mechanisms must be able to enter the country and have access to victims, their relatives, and human rights defenders. International justice mechanisms . The Venezuelan justice system has been a tool for systematic and widespread repression, including by judges, prosecutors, and other judicial personnel. In this environment, international justice institutions play an essential role. The FFM’s findings serve as a source of information for courts that can attribute individual criminal responsibility and sanction those who have committed crimes under international law, including the International Criminal Court as well as some national courts, as in Argentina under the principle of universal jurisdiction . 4. How can the Mission contribute to the future of Venezuela? Without structural changes, deterrence and informed recommendations are still necessary. Venezuela faces an altered context, but not one structurally different. The international community must remain vigilant and demand systemic human rights changes. Investigations and recommendations by the FFM over the next two years are the best tool at the international community’s disposal to demand that the necessary changes be made to ensure truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition. In the face of uncertainty, it is necessary to guarantee international scrutiny and debate . The situation in Venezuela is dynamic, and demands for urgent and structural changes must be made. In this uncertain landscape, the continuity of the OHCHR and of the FFM’s scrutiny and investigations over the next two years guarantees that the human rights situation in the country will be subject to periodic review and debate by the UN, states, and civil society. Regularity and predictability offer a minimum floor of scrutiny over any progress that could materialize in the country. 5. Who is responsible for the renewal of the mission? A resolution approved by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva . The FFM’s mandate was created and has been maintained by decision of the UN HRC, which is made up of 47 member states . The renewal of its current mandate must be decided through a new resolution that should be tabled and voted on during its 63rd session, which will take place between 7 September and 7 October 2026. Regional leadership with global support, based on principles and human rights. As in previous resolutions that sustained the FFM’s mandate, states in the Americas continue to lead the renewal of the mandate of the FFM. Since 2024, the states that lead this effort are Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This leadership must be supported by the members of the European Union as well as African, Asian, and European countries committed to a future where human rights are protected and guaranteed in Venezuela, including Bolivia, Brazil, Ghana, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Thailand. Joined by: Acceso a la Justicia AlertaVenezuela Amnesty International Aula Abierta Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad Católica Andres Bello (CDH-UCAB) Centro de Justicia y Paz (CEPAZ) CIVICUS CIVILIS Comité de Familiares de Víctimas de los Sucesos de Febrero y Marzo de 1989 (COFAVIC) Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) Espacio Público Foro Penal Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Watch International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón Programa Venezolano de Educación Acción en Derechos Humanos (PROVEA) Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) World Organisation Against Torture

ReliefWebReliefWeb•World Organisation Against Torture21 Sept

UNFPA Situation Report: Earthquakes in Venezuela (8 August – 7 September 2026)

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: United Nations Population Fund Please refer to the attached file. Two months after the earthquakes, affected communities continue to face challenges related to housing, access to health services, water and livelihoods. Damage to health facilities, together with shortages of medicines, equipment and health personnel, continues to pressure the health system and affect the continuity of essential health services. Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remains particularly important, including antenatal care, maternal and newborn health services, contraception and family planning. To support the continuity of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, UNFPA continues supporting 16 health facilities and has distributed 61 (IARH) kits along with essential reproductive health supplies, benefiting an estimated 32,727 people across health centres and transitional shelters. UNFPA and its implementing partners have delivered SRH and GBV services to 6,840 people across four transitional shelters, providing prenatal care, family planning services, psychosocial support, GBV case management, and dignity kits. In addition, 4,796 people have been reached with SRH and GBV awareness and information sessions.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•United Nations Population Fund21 Sept

Colombia: Evaluación Rápida Conjunta de Mercados (JRAM) - panorama de la situación, Agosto 2026

Countries: Colombia, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: REACH Initiative Please refer to the attached file. Hallazgos clave • El acceso de los consumidores a los mercados está condicionado, entre otros factores, por dinámicas de seguridad. El 10% de los comerciantes reportó barreras sociales, como inseguridad o discriminación, que limitan el acceso de los consumidores a los mercados. Por su parte, el 23% de los consumidores señaló percibir este tipo de barreras, identificando los episodios de hurto (65%) y el temor a desplazarse por las rutas de acceso (31%). • El aumento de precios afectó significativamente la capacidad de compra de los consumidores. El 76% reportó haber percibido un aumento de precios durante el último mes y, de estos, el 66% señaló que había afectado su capacidad de compra. Como respuesta, el 64% redujo la cantidad de alimentos adquiridos y el 36% redujo el número de comidas al día. • El 94% de los comerciantes señaló que el mercado tenía capacidad para satisfacer la demanda actual, mientras que el 86% consideró que podría responder ante una duplicación de esta. Sin embargo, el abastecimiento mostró una alta dependencia de proveedores ubicados en las capitales departamentales: el 75% de los proveedores operaba desde estas ciudades y solo el 33% de los comercios se abastecía dentro de su propio municipio.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•REACH Initiative21 Sept

Florida Republican calls interim Venezuelan president ‘necessary evil’

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) on Sunday called Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, a “necessary evil” until the Latin American country can have free and fair elections. Salazar defended Trump’s decision to meet with Rodríguez in New York City, while Trump is present for the annual United Nations General Assembly. She told CBS News’s Margaret…

The HillThe Hill•Ryan Mancini20 Sept

Venezuela: Reform Needed for Rights Progress

Click to expand Image Petare, a low-income neighborhood on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, September 17, 2026. © 2026 Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC) – Venezuela needs to take urgent measures and carry out institutional reforms to protect people’s basic rights, Human Rights Watch said today, following its first official visit to the country since 2008. Human Rights Watch visited Caracas this week and met with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, other government officials, human rights groups, journalists, relatives of political prisoners, foreign diplomats, and others. Staff also visited Petare, a low-income neighborhood on the outskirts of Caracas. During its previous high-level visit, in 2008, Venezuelan authorities detained Human Rights Watch staff after they released a report and expelled them from the country. “Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has overseen a pause to the most overt forms of repression in Venezuela,” said Federico Borello, deputy executive director at Human Rights Watch. “But in this fragile political moment, these gains will only become sustainable with robust institutional reforms and the release of all political prisoners.” Rodríguez assumed office following the United States’ capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. Since then, Venezuelan authorities have released hundreds of political prisoners, passed an amnesty law, unblocked some media websites, and announced measures to reform the judiciary. Human rights activists, opposition leaders, and journalists told Human Rights Watch that they are much freer to carry out their work. Some said they have left their hiding places after more than a year or reported for the first time on the arbitrary arrest of their loved ones. On September 18, Venezuelan authorities closed a criminal case against Carlos Correa, executive director of the free-speech organization Espacio Público. However, at least 344 political prisoners remain behind bars, according to Foro Penal, a Venezuelan human rights group, and many others remain under house arrest or are experiencing other restrictions. These include people who were detained for exercising their freedom of expression and people who have been tortured or have suffered gross due process violations. Others who were arbitrarily detained have experienced extortion from judicial officials, prosecutors, and others. Venezuelan authorities should promptly and unconditionally release all people arbitrarily detained, Human Rights Watch said. Authorities have continued, in a small number of cases, to detain critics for short periods. On September 18, Venezuelan authorities detained Javier Oropeza, a former opposition mayor who recently returned to the country. He was released a few hours later. Relatives of political prisoners said that some detainees are still being mistreated behind bars, in particular in the Rodeo I prison in Caracas. Human Rights Watch has documented torture and inhumane conditions of detention in Rodeo I. The closure of Rodeo I would send a powerful signal that the authorities intend to break with the government’s brutal legacy of abusive detention practices. Venezuelan authorities should ensure humane detention conditions for all detainees, Human Rights Watch said. They should also allow international experts, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), unfettered access to all prisons and other places of detention. Venezuelan authorities should also amend or repeal laws that have enabled human rights violations, including anti-terrorism and anti-hatred legislation and rules restricting the work of human rights groups and media outlets. As part of a dialogue process with a part of the political opposition, Venezuelan authorities have announced a process to reform the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, the country’s highest court, and the Electoral Council. The destruction of judicial independence in Venezuela in the 2000s enabled widespread human rights violations and establishing an independent and impartial supreme court would be a crucial first step to a much-needed overhaul to the judicial system, Human Rights Watch said. Over the last decade, Venezuelan authorities have also barred opposition candidates from running for office. Broader patterns of repression have also made it impossible for Venezuelans to exercise their democratic rights freely in past elections. “Venezuelans deserve to participate in timely, free, and fair elections,” Borello said. “That requires urgently allowing political opponents to take part in the political process and run for office.” Venezuelan authorities should also overhaul the country’s security forces to curb their continuation of human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said. These measures should include vetting officials responsible for grave human rights violations, ensuring that intelligence agencies are not tasked with criminal investigations, dismantling clandestine detention centers, and establishing clear rules for the use of force. On September 16, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (FFM) released a report warning that the state machinery behind repression remains firmly intact. The UN Human Rights Council should renew the mandate of the FFM for two years, Human Rights Watch said. The humanitarian situation in Venezuela remains dire, exacerbated by the earthquakes in June that killed at least 6,300 people. According to HumVenezuela, a group of organizations monitoring the humanitarian crises in the country, over 18 million people, out of a population of 28.5 million, were already unable to meet their basic needs prior to the earthquake. People in many parts of the country experience daily hours-long electricity blackouts and days-long water shortages, and many said they are increasingly impatient. Human Rights Watch has long expressed concern about the role of US economic sanctions in further deepening the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Since Maduro’s ouster, US engagement has focused largely on advancing the Trump administration’s economic goals, at the expense of a robust focus on reforms. “The United States should use its leverage to play a leading role in pushing for meaningful human rights change in Venezuela,” Borello said.

Human Rights WatchHuman Rights Watch•Human Rights Watch18 Sept

Venezuela | Earthquake - Operation Update #3 (MDRVE015)

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Since the launch of the appeal, the response has been significantly strengthened by bilateral contributions channelled through several Participating National Societies (PNS) and from other partners of the Movement, as well as resources mobilized directly by the Venezuelan Red Cross from the national private sector, companies and individual donors from Venezuela. To ensure that the funding picture accurately reflects both the resources mobilized and the activities being implemented by the entire IFRC Network, the Federation-wide funding requirement has been revised from CHF 55 million to CHF 75 million. This adjustment reflects increased bilateral contributions and the corresponding response activities of Participating National Societies. It does not represent an increase in the IFRC Secretariat funding requirement, which remains unchanged at CHF 50 million. As of 28 August, the IFRC Secretariat funding requirement of CHF 50 million is 39.8 per cent funded including in-kind contributions, hard and soft pledges. The IFRC expresses its sincere gratitude to donors and partners for their support to the response. Additional and timely contributions are urgently needed to enable the Venezuelan Red Cross, with the support of the IFRC, to continue delivering humanitarian assistance, address priority needs in affected communities, strengthen preparedness and response capacities, and support early recovery efforts. Flexible and unearmarked funding is particularly valuable, as it enables resources to be directed to the most urgent and underfunded needs, supports continuity of assistance throughout the recovery phase, and helps ensure that emerging and longer-term humanitarian needs can be addressed effectively. Following the recent publication of Operational Update No. 2, this Operational Update is issued to reflect the adjustments identified through the first review of the Operational Strategy, led by the Venezuelan Red Cross with IFRC support and in consultation with Movement partners. The review considered the current operational context, implementation to date, and the capacities and priorities of the Venezuelan Red Cross, resulting in adjustments to planned activities and indicators. A.SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis Eleven weeks after the two high-magnitude earthquakes, significant humanitarian challenges persist. The operation continues to address urgent needs while progressively transitioning into the early recovery phase. National authorities, the Venezuelan Red Cross and other humanitarian partners continue to report on evolving needs and implementation outcomes related to primary healthcare, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, and protection services among affected populations. Official reports by authorities and the humanitarian coordination system to date reflect 6,509 fatalities; 16,740 injuries; 6,462 people rescued; 17,907 people who lost their homes; 190 buildings collapsed; and 856 buildings damaged1. Housing and displacement remains a key concern. As of 28 August2, Venezuelan authorities reported that 60,785 homes have undergone structural evaluation, with 11,001 classified as high-risk and requiring further assessments and intervention. In this light, as part of the government’s recovery and reconstruction plan Gran Misión Venezuela Renace, authorities reported that 377 new public housing apartments have been handed over as replacement for units beyond repair (providing a permanent solution for 1,172 persons), and 1,001 housing units have been repaired (for displaced families encompassing a total of 3,503 persons). Financing has also been made available to the condominium boards of 27 residential buildings and to 400 homeowners for repairs. Overall, around 13,796 housing units are expected to require support for repairs in La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy and Falcón States; 73 per cent of which are apartments (10,062) and 27 per cent of which are single or double-family homes (3,734). Governmental support for interim solutions also continues through the operation of 107 temporary accommodation sites with capacity for 28,223 people, currently hosting around 24,477 people, primarily in La Guaira, Distrito Capital, Miranda and Aragua states. In addition, two large scale stadiums have been adapted to accommodate 1,200 persons as transitional solution for families who had been staying in schools, to prevent disruptions in the academic year while offering a dignified and safe transitional option. Humanitarian actors continue to work alongside authorities to support residents with essential services and assistance during their stay in the network of shelters3. Authorities are also advancing in the construction of additional housing complexes to be assigned free of cost for families with homes beyond repair, including new developments La Guaira State. A special tribunal has also been established under the judiciary to handle any contentious claims of land and property rights for the population displaced by the earthquakes. Housing assessment and debris removal activities also continue in the affected areas. To date, 580,000 tons of rubble have been removed (28.61 per cent of the total estimated earthquake-generated debris). The Presidential Commission for the Evaluation of Housing and Infrastructure Habitability continues secondary assessments as needed, and has received bilateral support from countries like Japan, whose JICA commission advanced bilateral technical support to the authorities in the past week. The website for self-registration of citizens to report any additional damage to their infrastructure and request technical visits also continues to operate in order to ensure all units are identified immediately should they pose any kind of risk4. Technical manuals for repair and shoring have been made available, incorporating the official guidelines developed by the technical committee of the Presidential Commission for the Evaluation of Infrastructure Habitability to guide interventions on the earthquake-affected buildings5. Health services continue to require support in the affected areas. Numerous health facilities have sustained structural damage, while shortages of medicines, medical equipment, and health personnel continue to place pressure on service delivery. Humanitarian organizations continue supporting essential healthcare, including maternal and reproductive health services, while public health surveillance activities continue to monitor potential health risks. Authorities have provided medical attention to over 20,000 persons with injuries in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, to support with chronic illnesses for those in temporary shelters. A commission was also set to ensure birth certificates, identification and protection services continue to be proactively offered to children and vulnerable populations in interim housing solutions, bringing services from the national protection network of authorities and civil society, as well as UNICEF support. Mental health and psychosocial needs remain significant as the response moves towards early recovery. The loss of loved ones, displacement, loss of homes and livelihoods, aftershocks and housing uncertainty may prolong distress and disrupt family and community support. Needs extend beyond health facilities and require attention across communities and temporary camps, including for groups requiring adapted support and for staff and volunteers exposed to sustained stress. Continued basic and focused psychosocial support, psychological support and safe referrals to specialized services remain essential throughout recovery.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies18 Sept

Venezuela: Water emergency - DREF Operational Update (MDRVE014)

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 06-03-2026 What happened, where and when? The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is currently experiencing a major crisis affecting basic services in its eastern regions, particularly in the states of Sucre and Nueva Esparta. This follows the formal declaration of a Critical Water Emergency in the Official Gazette of the State of Sucre No. 3,247, dated 5 March 2026. This measure responds to a large-scale structural failure in the Turimiquire collection and distribution system — the most important strategic infrastructure in eastern Venezuela — which supplies drinking water to the continental area of Sucre State (covering the municipalities of Sucre, Bolívar and Cruz Salmerón Acosta) and the island area. The system affects 45% of the population of Margarita Island in the state of Nueva Esparta, which depends on its underwater branch via a complex network of underwater pipelines and aqueducts. According to the technical report by the regional hydrological agency (Hidrocaribe), dated 3 March 2026, a rockslide at kilometre 7.6 of the 12.5 km transfer tunnel caused an obstruction of 82% of the tunnel's capacity. This drastically reduced the system's response capacity from 5,000 litres per second to 1,100 litres per second. This explains why there is not enough pressure in the water supply to reach the 'high areas' of Sucre and Nueva Esparta. According to the media and local authorities, the collapse has been directly attributed to aftershocks and ground instability caused by an earthquake recorded in the region on 22 February 2026. This earthquake weakened infrastructure that was already compromised by decades of use, according to official spokespeople, including Governor Jhoanna Carrillo. This emergency has had a negative multidimensional impact, affecting the lives of approximately 95,108 families in one of the three affected municipalities in Sucre state. It has also compromised access to water for 45% of Nueva Esparta state's population, who depend on the underwater branch of the same system. In health terms, there is an imminent risk of an increase in waterborne and dermatological diseases due to inadequate storage of the resource in open containers and use of untreated alternative sources such as the Manzanares River. The event has led to the suspension of educational, commercial and tourism activities in the city of Cumaná in Sucre State, which are vital to the local economy, while extreme water rationing has undermined general well-being by prohibiting its use for anything other than basic human consumption and hygiene (Sucre State Government, Emergency Decree, 2026). The people most likely to suffer severe impacts from this hazard are those living in the so-called 'high areas' of Cumaná and Margarita Island, where low water pressure physically prevents water from reaching homes, even during emergency pumping cycles (Hidrocaribe, Operational Statement, 03/05/2026). The most vulnerable groups within these communities include children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to dehydration and viral infections, as well as people with disabilities, who face physical barriers when collecting water from tanker trucks or community sources. Vulnerability is accentuated in families living in poverty who lack the financial resources to purchase water from private suppliers, whose prices have escalated due to high demand (Public Expenditure Observatory/Local Reports, 2026). The Turimiquire system has historically had chronic weaknesses, with leaks documented over the last 30 years. In July 2023, a critical incident occurred when an eight-metre underground leak caused the collapse of the western branch of the underwater aqueduct, leaving thousands of families in Margarita without access to this basic resource. This demonstrates that the current event is not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of systematic structural deterioration, requiring major engineering intervention to prevent total collapse of the sanitation system in the eastern region (Historical Archive of Water Infrastructure / El Sol de Margarita, 2023–2026). The Red Cross has mobilized following the declaration of a water emergency, conducting initial needs assessments with local staff and mobilizing national personnel since 6 March 2026, in addition to identifying potential sites for the installation of water treatment plants and coordinating with local authorities who have requested support from the branches to supplement the response plan. During March and April 2026, the Ministry of Popular Power for Water Attention (MinAguas) and the government of the state of Sucre carried out the physical sediment removal phase. The works included the use of heavy machinery recommended by the National Scientific Council for deep excavation. The operational process recorded critical occupational safety complications; at the end of March 2026, an internationally coordinated rescue operation was carried out to extract eight specialized technicians who were temporarily trapped and isolated inside the Transfer Tunnel due to residual ground instability. Although the workers were rescued safe, the event forced a slowdown in the progress of clearing 82% of the original rock blockage. Faced with extreme rationing and low pressure in the Turimiquire submarine pipeline, local authorities in Margarita Island (Nueva Esparta) adjusted their response strategy by shifting toward autonomous, island-based systems: - Activation of desalination plants: In key municipalities such as Santiago Mariño (Porlamar), the local mayor’s office reported the reactivation and conditioning of local desalination infrastructure to inject an estimated flow of up to 80,000 liters of drinking water per day directly into the system. - Community distribution: The water processed by coastal desalination plants is being distributed exclusively through tanker truck fleets in the most vulnerable sectors of the island, gradually attempting to reduce immediate dependence on the damaged submarine aqueduct. Meanwhile, the Government of Sucre implemented strict regulations through complementary decrees, establishing: - An absolute ban on the use of hoses for cleaning sidewalks, facades, or non-essential commercial activities. - A total restriction on vegetation and solid waste burning, due to the regional fire department lacking a regular water supply necessary to respond to forest or structural fires. - The deployment of permanent contingency plans based on tanker truck routes coordinated by local municipalities, prioritizing supply to health centers and critical communities, although residents in “high-altitude zones” continue to report severe distribution failures. By the end of May 2026, the water emergency in eastern Venezuela had exceeded 80 continuous days without the regular restoration of piped drinking water services. The scope of the contingency increased compared to initial estimates: according to local media monitoring reports and civil protection updates, the number of affected people rose to an estimated 210,000 families (approximately 840,000 people) across the mainland areas of Sucre and the sectors of Nueva Esparta directly dependent on the pipeline. The severity of the structural collapse prompted formal intervention from multilateral agencies due to documented health risks. In May 2026, the United Nations (UN) formally allocated USD 2 million specifically aimed at the technical rehabilitation of the Turimiquire infrastructure and the provision of community water purification supplies for affected families.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies18 Sept
R

Major disasters disrupted education for at least 13 million children in six countries in three months as Venezuela reopens schools

Countries: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Philippines Source: Save the Children CARACAS, Venezuela, 17 September 2026 – Education was disrupted for about 13 million children over the past three months as Nepal, Japan, Colombia, Venezuela, Indonesia, and the Philippines were all hit by major natural or climate disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or wildfires , said Save the Children. In many countries where the disasters stuck, classes were in session at the time such as in Nepal where children were forced to flee flash flooding. In others, schools were approaching the end of year holidays such as in Venezuela where pupils return to class this week and learning disruptions are only now being felt. Analysing various data sources, Save the Children looked at the impact of these disasters over the past three months and estimated that about 13 million children saw their learning suspended, transferred online, reduced or disrupted in other ways, with some continuing to see their education impacted.[1] In Venezuela, students and teachers said that they were feeling anxious as they returned to school for the new academic year following the twin earthquakes that hit the country on 24 June, killing more than 6,500 people. The earthquakes, the most powerful in a century, halted education for more than 21,000 students [2] and disrupted learning for one million**,** or about one in every eight school-aged child, Save the Children said. Teachers from La Guaira, a coastal region badly hit in northern Venezuela, said it was important to continue efforts to ensure that schools can provide supportive environments for children returning after the earthquakes although some schools have suffered structural damage and cannot reopen. Alondra*, 37, a teacher in Venezuela and mother to nine-year-old Emma*, is worried that the disruption will force students into overcrowded schools, affecting both learning quality and recreational opportunities. “My daughter's education is paramount, of course, and I'm not going to take her out of school, especially not because of this [earthquake],” she said. Alondra has been taking Emma to a Save the Children safe space in the months since the earthquake so she can continue learning and playing with other children her own age. Save the Children in Venezuela and its national partners have helped over 93,970 people** since the earthquakes including through psychosocial support, health support, and community engagement activities. The child rights organisation will also start rehabilitating learning spaces and schools and training teachers to support children affected by the earthquakes. Four other powerful earthquakes in Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia and in Japan disrupted education for about 4 million children out of the 13 million children. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on 8 June, the first day back to school after the country’s summer break, disrupting education. Since then, Save the Children has reached more than 8,800 people, including 3,900 children, providing support including household items, hygiene kits and temporary learning spaces. Floods brought about by this season's monsoon in the Philippines also affected nearly 7 million students who saw classes suspended including in the capital Manila and several provinces, on and off, for almost two weeks, while almost 900 schools sustained damaged.[3] Tatiana Betancourt, an education officer at Save the Children Colombia, said: “Families temporarily settled in spaces that do not have adequate security and protection conditions affecting educational institutions, limiting children's and adolescents' access to safe learning spaces. Emotional effects on children, caregivers and families include fear, stress and uncertainty generated by the emergency.” In Colombia, the earthquake’s damage to education infrastructure disrupted access to education for over 1 million children and compounded pre-existing poverty. While about 80% of children have returned to learning through partial, hybrid, or alternating attendance, more than 300,000 children are estimated to be facing heightened protection risks, including recruitment by armed groups. [4] Save the Children in Colombia is focusing on supporting the safe return to schools wherever feasible and is supporting temporary learning arrangements through local education partners including temporary learning tents in affected areas such as Chocó. Flash floods in Nepal in August which hit as children were either on their way to school or starting their lessons, killed at least 1,350 people with about 4,800 still missing.[5] While some schools closed by the floods in Nepal have begun to reopen, many displaced children are not currently able to attend classes as they are not registered for schools in areas they moved to. Save the Children has supported more than 6,000 people across Nuwakot, Dhading and Rasuwa districts with essential items and has set up two temporary learning spaces to help children learn. In Japan, Save the Children set up child friendly spaces to provide children with a safe environment to play and recover following the 28 July earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, among other support. When disasters or climate emergencies disrupt children’s education, as they have for children in Nepal, Venezuela, Colombia and elsewhere this summer, children must be able to continue their education through crisis. Governments also need stronger, more inclusive, and resilient education systems that can last. Save the Children is calling on world leaders gathering in New York for the UN General Assembly this month to pledge at least US $5 billion to the Global Partnership for Education to help reach about 750 million children across 96 countries by 2030 by strengthening education systems. The child rights organisation is also calling on leaders to pledge US$600 million this November for Education Cannot Wait, so children in crisis can continue learning. *Names changed for anonymity References: **As of 11 September 2026. Methodology: Over 13 million figure is based on looking at major or high-profile disasters between 1 June and early September where there was a publicly reported impact on education. Disasters included earthquakes in Venezuela (1 million children’s education impacted) ; Colombia ( 1 million ) Indonesia ( over 116,000 ), Japan (about 200,000) and the Philippines ( 3 million ), wildfires in Indonesia ( 1.4 million ), monsoon flooding in the Philippines ( 6.8 million ) and flash floods in Nepal ( 19,000 ). For Japan, the number of children with disrupted education is estimated based on data from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on 650 affected schools, using the average number of students per school in Japan. [1, 5] NEPAL: https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/nepal/nepal-rasuwa-flood-situation-report-no-7-8-september-2026 [2] Save the Children Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) August 2026 + UNICEF assessment indicates that more than 432 schools suffered physical damage to their infrastructure. In the state of La Guaira, out of the 290 public and independent schools surveyed in the coastal area, 62 sustained structural damage or suffered total physical collapse. [3] EDCOM 2 - The Second Congressional Commission on Education: https://www.facebook.com/edcom2ph/posts/pfbid0xPVJkvHr9HAYRbofaMZcX3kDNtVcqeiHiq3yCtUSd2pSiYpwMCBMcxMoGrq1GH5fl [4] IRC, 14 Aug 2026: https://www.rescue.org/press-release/irc-launches-health-child-protection-response-colombia-earthquake-death-toll-rises

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Save the Children18 Sept

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of): Earthquake Response Situation Report #29 (10 to 16 September 2026)

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. The Situation Report No. 29 provides an update on IOM’s response to the 24 June earthquakes in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, covering the period from 10 to 16 September 2026. Highlights Between 10 and 16 September, IOM continued its multisectoral response in planned camps and affected communities through interventions in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), shelter, health, mental health and psychological support, protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), information management, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). IOM maintained co-management of camps in La Guaira, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and supported processes related to housing solutions, returns and relocations. Heavy rainfall in Campo de Golf caused flooding in Sector C and the collapse of the drainage channel connected to the sea, prompting risk assessments by authorities and consideration of relocation alternatives for the accommodated population. IOM supported community dialogue efforts, population profiling and capacity assessments in Mare Abajo II and Polideportivo José María Vargas in preparation for a possible reception of families from Campo de Golf. IOM strengthened health and mental health activities through mobile outreach, primary health care services, and the launch of a mental health and psychological support needs assessment in César Nieves, Campo de Golf, Mare Abajo II and Polideportivo José María Vargas. IOM also expanded coordination with health authorities and humanitarian organizations for epidemiological surveillance and the introduction of specialized services. IOM also strengthened inter-agency and community coordination through protection, health and WASH technical working groups, as well as through the introduction of new rehabilitation, education, disability inclusion and psychological support services in planned camps. IOM Activities IOM maintained management of the Polideportivo José María Vargas planned camp and continued co-management of César Nieves, Campo de Golf and Mare Abajo II together with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Activities focused on continuity of services, infrastructure improvements, community participation, and support for return, relocation and housing solution processes. In César Nieves, IOM supported the completion of perimeter fencing around the health area and strengthened follow-up on infrastructure, drainage and sanitation needs. In Campo de Golf, IOM facilitated coordination among authorities, humanitarian organizations and community representatives to address environmental risks and potential relocation scenarios. In Mare Abajo II, IOM strengthened community coordination mechanisms and supported the introduction of rehabilitation, education and disability inclusion services. In Polideportivo José María Vargas, IOM continued coordinating services and preparedness measures related to a potential reception of families from Campo de Golf. IOM continued distributing essential household items in camps and affected communities. During the reporting period, IOM distributed 400 collapsible jerry cans, 170 kitchen sets and 238 hygiene items . To date, IOM has distributed more than 11,077 plastic tarpaulins, 8,304 collapsible jerry cans, 6,890 kitchen sets, 5,770 tool kits, 4,594 solar lamps and 5,166 hygiene items . In WASH, IOM continued coordinating and monitoring water, sanitation and hygiene services. In César Nieves, IOM strengthened follow-up on water supply, water quality monitoring and sanitation infrastructure. In Campo de Golf, IOM monitored impacts caused by flooding and the collapse of the main drainage system. In Mare Abajo II, IOM coordinated activities related to diarrhoeal outbreaks reported during the reporting period and assessed WASH service capacity in anticipation of possible population movements. IOM continued providing mobile health services in César Nieves, Polideportivo José María Vargas and affected communities in La Guaira. During the reporting period, 511 health and psychological support consultations were provided. The most common conditions included hypertension, chronic diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, acute respiratory infections, and sexual and reproductive health needs. In addition, three Primary Health Care outreach activities were conducted at the Centro de Alta Tecnología 10 de Marzo and in the communities of Ana Merlo and Miralejos. In protection, IOM continued providing legal orientation, case management, referrals and coordination of specialized services. IOM also strengthened coordination with authorities and specialized organizations to facilitate access to protection services, psychological support and assistance for people with specific needs. IOM continued leading sectoral and inter-agency coordination spaces with authorities, humanitarian organizations and community representatives. Key activities included follow-up on the Campo de Golf situation, coordination of relocation processes, and the Shelter, Land and Settlements Coordination Cluster (SLSC), co-led by IOM and IFRC. In PSEA, IOM continued integrating Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse principles into camp management and community activities, strengthening awareness-raising efforts and dissemination of reporting mechanisms among actors present in the camps. IOM Planned Response IOM will continue monitoring shelter conditions and supporting return, relocation and other temporary accommodation processes while maintaining community participation mechanisms and updated information to strengthen response planning. IOM will continue strengthening infrastructure and services in planned camps, including activities related to drainage systems, water supply, sanitation and infrastructure maintenance. In WASH, IOM will continue monitoring drainage systems and greywater management, strengthening hygiene promotion activities, water quality monitoring, and follow-up on sanitation infrastructure, vector control and solid waste management needs. IOM will maintain mobile health services, strengthen referral pathways for specialized care, continue epidemiological coordination with health authorities, and sustain mental health and psychological support activities in camps and affected communities. IOM will also continue providing protection services, including legal orientation, case management, referrals, prevention of violence against women and girls, child protection activities, and actions aimed at facilitating access to specialized services. In addition, IOM will maintain information management, population monitoring and inter-agency coordination activities to support evidence-based planning for return, relocation and durable solutions processes.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Organization for Migration17 Sept

Venezuela (República Bolivariana de): Respuesta a Terremotos - Reporte de Situación #29 (10 al 16 de septiembre 2026)

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. El Reporte de Situación No. 29 proporciona una actualización sobre la respuesta de la OIM a los terremotos del 24 de junio en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, cubriendo el período del 10 al 16 de septiembre de 2026 . Aspectos destacados Entre el 10 y el 16 de septiembre, la OIM continuó su respuesta multisectorial en campamentos planificados y comunidades afectadas mediante intervenciones en Coordinación y Gestión de Campamentos (CCCM), alojamiento, salud, salud mental y apoyo psicológico, protección, Agua, Saneamiento e Higiene (WASH), gestión de información y Prevención de la Explotación y el Abuso Sexual (PEAS). La OIM mantuvo la gestión y cogestión de campamentos en La Guaira, fortaleció la coordinación interagencial y apoyó procesos relacionados con soluciones habitacionales, retorno y reubicación. Las fuertes lluvias registradas en Campo de Golf provocaron la inundación del sector C y el colapso del drenaje que conecta con el mar, generando evaluaciones de riesgo por parte de las autoridades y la consideración de alternativas de reubicación para la población alojada. La OIM apoyó la coordinación del diálogo comunitario, la caracterización de la población y la evaluación de capacidades de Mare Abajo II y del Polideportivo José María Vargas ante una posible recepción de familias procedentes de Campo de Golf. La OIM fortaleció las actividades de salud y salud mental mediante jornadas móviles, atención primaria y el inicio de un levantamiento de necesidades de salud mental y apoyo psicológico en César Nieves, Campo de Golf, Mare Abajo II y el Polideportivo José María Vargas. Asimismo, amplió la coordinación con autoridades sanitarias y socios humanitarios para el seguimiento epidemiológico y la incorporación de nuevos servicios especializados. La OIM también fortaleció la coordinación interagencial y comunitaria mediante mesas técnicas de protección, salud y WASH, así como mediante la incorporación de nuevos servicios de rehabilitación, educación, atención a personas con discapacidad y apoyo psicológico en campamentos planificados. Actividades de la OIM La OIM mantuvo la coordinación y gestión del campamento planificado Polideportivo José María Vargas y continuó la cogestión de César Nieves, Campo de Golf y Mare Abajo II junto con el Consejo Noruego para Refugiados (NRC). Las actividades se centraron en la continuidad de servicios, mejoras de infraestructura, participación comunitaria y apoyo a procesos de retorno, reubicación y soluciones habitacionales. En César Nieves, la OIM acompañó la culminación del cerramiento perimetral del área de salud y fortaleció el seguimiento a necesidades de infraestructura, drenaje y saneamiento. En Campo de Golf, facilitó la coordinación entre autoridades, organizaciones humanitarias y representantes comunitarios para el seguimiento de riesgos ambientales y posibles escenarios de reubicación. En Mare Abajo II, fortaleció los mecanismos de coordinación comunitaria y acompañó la incorporación de nuevos servicios de rehabilitación, educación y atención a personas con discapacidad. En el Polideportivo José María Vargas, continuó coordinando servicios y preparativos relacionados con una eventual recepción de población procedente de Campo de Golf. La OIM continuó distribuyendo artículos domésticos esenciales en campamentos y comunidades afectadas. Durante el período entregó 400 bidones plegables, 170 sets de cocina y 238 insumos de higiene . A la fecha, la OIM ha distribuido más de 11.077 lonas plásticas, 8.304 bidones plegables, 6.890 sets de cocina, 5.770 kits de herramientas, 4.594 lámparas solares y 5.166 insumos de higiene . En WASH, la OIM continuó coordinando y monitoreando los servicios de agua, saneamiento e higiene. En César Nieves fortaleció el seguimiento al abastecimiento de agua, el monitoreo de la calidad del agua y el funcionamiento de la infraestructura sanitaria. En Campo de Golf dio seguimiento a las afectaciones causadas por las inundaciones y el colapso del drenaje principal. En Mare Abajo II coordinó acciones relacionadas con brotes diarreicos reportados durante el período y evaluó la capacidad de servicios WASH ante posibles movimientos de población. La OIM continuó prestando servicios móviles de salud en César Nieves, el Polideportivo José María Vargas y comunidades afectadas de La Guaira. Durante el período se realizaron 511 atenciones de salud y apoyo psicológico . Las principales consultas estuvieron relacionadas con hipertensión arterial, enfermedades crónicas, afecciones musculoesqueléticas, infecciones respiratorias agudas y salud sexual y reproductiva. Asimismo, se realizaron tres jornadas de Atención Primaria de Salud en el Centro de Alta Tecnología 10 de Marzo y en las comunidades de Ana Merlo y Miralejos. En protección, la OIM continuó brindando orientación legal, gestión de casos, derivaciones y coordinación de servicios especializados. Asimismo, fortaleció la coordinación con autoridades y organizaciones especializadas para facilitar el acceso a servicios de protección, apoyo psicológico y atención a personas con necesidades específicas. La OIM continuó liderando espacios de coordinación sectorial e interagencial con autoridades, organizaciones humanitarias y representantes comunitarios. Entre las actividades destacaron el seguimiento a la situación de Campo de Golf, la coordinación de procesos de reubicación y la reunión del Cluster de Coordinación de Alojamientos, Tierra y Asentamientos (CATA), codirigido por la OIM y la IFRC. En PEAS, la OIM continuó integrando los principios de Prevención de la Explotación y el Abuso Sexual en la gestión de campamentos y actividades comunitarias, fortaleciendo la difusión de mecanismos de denuncia y acciones de sensibilización dirigidas a actores presentes en los campamentos. Respuesta prevista de la OIM La OIM continuará monitoreando las condiciones de alojamiento y apoyando procesos de retorno, reubicación y otras modalidades de alojamiento temporal, manteniendo mecanismos de participación comunitaria e información actualizada para fortalecer la planificación de la respuesta. La OIM continuará fortaleciendo la infraestructura y los servicios en los campamentos planificados, incluyendo acciones relacionadas con drenajes, abastecimiento de agua, saneamiento y mantenimiento de infraestructura. En WASH, la OIM continuará monitoreando sistemas de drenaje y aguas grises, fortaleciendo las actividades de promoción de higiene, el monitoreo de la calidad del agua y el seguimiento a necesidades de infraestructura sanitaria, control vectorial y gestión de residuos sólidos. La OIM mantendrá las jornadas móviles de salud, fortalecerá las rutas de referencia para atención especializada, continuará la coordinación epidemiológica con las autoridades sanitarias y dará continuidad a las actividades de salud mental y apoyo psicológico en campamentos y comunidades afectadas. La OIM también continuará brindando servicios de protección, incluyendo orientación legal, gestión de casos, derivaciones, prevención de la violencia contra mujeres y niñas, protección infantil y acciones para facilitar el acceso a servicios especializados. Asimismo, mantendrá las actividades de gestión de información, monitoreo poblacional y coordinación interagencial para apoyar la planificación basada en evidencia de procesos de retorno, reubicación y soluciones duraderas.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Organization for Migration17 Sept