If enacted, this law would seriously hinder the freedom of association and the free and independent functioning of civil society organizations by requiring them to seek government authorization for their operations and disclose any foreign funding. The vague and ambiguous language in the current draft of the bill raises fears of heightened persecution against human rights defenders, with potential fines, registration cancellations, and even criminal charges. The bill’s explicit emphasis on foreign funding and labeling of NGOs as ‘foreign agents’ adds to its troubling features. Full Text -> OMCT

The same week, the Venezuelan dictatorship, led by Nicolás Maduro, advanced on the media and human rights NGOs. The attacks come shortly after the inauguration of the new, Chavist-majority National Assembly, which was elected in a disputed vote on December 6. This time, the targets were the streaming channel VPItv, which is usually the only one to broadcast acts and interviews of the opposition, the independent sites Efecto Cocuyo, Tal Cual, El Pitazo and Caraota Digital, the regional newspaper Panorama. (Maracaibo) and the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières, Provea (Venezuelan program for education and action in the field of human rights) and Azul Positivo.

The Maduro regime charged against two of the most effective Venezuelan NGOs, helping the most vulnerable people, Alimenta la Solidaridad and Caracas Mi Convive. This is how it feels in the communities that need their help every day. By Guillermo Sardi. Full Text -> CaracasChronicles

Swept up by an unprecedented whirlwind of political and economic uncertainty, a statewide failure of public services, and the “dollarization” of Venezuela’s economy, the nation’s environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have employed various creative strategies in an attempt to continue their educational, conservation, and research programs — and to simply survive. by Jeanfreddy Gutiérrez Torres. Full Text-> MongaBay

Zully Rodiz and her kind are seen as modern-day angels in the chaos of the Venezuelan capital, roaring off on powerful motorcycles to the scene of a road accident or to bring medicine to the sick. It’s normally a task for ambulance crews and fully trained paramedics. But in the midst of a collapsing health system, desperate Caracas emergency services are increasingly looking to Rodiz and her friends at the “Angeles de las vias” (“Angels of the Roads“) NGO to fill the gap left by a devastated primary care system. Full Text-> Daily Times

Five NGOs that work for Indigenous rights in Venezuela issued a statement asking authorities to take immediate action against illegal miners operating in the Venezuelan and Brazilian Amazon, as they are likely to spread covid-19 in the region. By Valentina Ruiz Leotaud. Full text -> Mining