Canada and the Venezuela crisis

Canada is deeply concerned by the unprecedented political, economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and its impact across the region. We are committed to protecting human rights and to helping Venezuelans find a solution to the crisis through the promotion of a peaceful return to democracy.

Canada has been instrumental in the adoption of several statements and resolutions, including at the G7, the G20, the UN Human Rights Council, the Organization of American States, and the Lima Group, in support of the people of Venezuela in their efforts to achieve political and economic reforms. We have also joined with other countries to address the critical situation in Venezuela and to explore ways to contribute to the restoration of democracy through peaceful and negotiated means.

Canada commends the significant ongoing efforts by countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to host and integrate Venezuelan migrants and refugees and to respond to their needs. Since 2019, Canada has committed over $86 million in international assistance to help respond to the impacts of the Venezuela crisis, both inside Venezuela and in host countries of the Latin America and Caribbean region. This includes over $38 million in gender-responsive humanitarian assistance funding to help meet the immediate needs of people affected by this crisis.

In September 2020, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela released a report implicating the participation of members of the Maduro regime in acts that may constitute “crimes against humanity.” Canada has joined with partners in the hemisphere to refer the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court based on credible reports of systematic violations of human rights concluding that serious international crimes may have been committed. In addition, to draw attention to attacks to democratic institutions, gross violations of human rights and acts of significant corruption, as well as to promote accountability and deterrence, and to end impunity for those responsible for such acts, Canada continues to work with like-minded partners to identify and impose sanctions on individuals associated with the Maduro regime.

Statements and declarations

Canada has been instrumental in the passing of several statements and resolutions at the Organization of American States supporting the people of Venezuela in their efforts to achieve political and economic reforms. We have also joined with other countries in the hemisphere to address the critical situation in Venezuela and to explore ways to contribute to the restoration of democracy through peaceful and negotiated means.