Canada and the Venezuela crisis

On this page

• The political situation in Venezuela
• Efforts to resolve the crisis
• International Criminal Court Investigation
• Sanctions
• Humanitarian situation in Venezuela and Canada’s response
• Venezuelan refugee and migrant situation
• Statements and declarations
• Related links

The political situation in Venezuela

Canada is deeply concerned by the unprecedented political, economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and its impact across the region. Venezuela’s institutions including the judicial, executive and legislative branches are controlled by the Maduro regime, giving it full control over all decision-making, election outcomes, and legal proceedings. The regime has criminalized and silenced opposing political views, arresting and harassing opposition political figures and social leaders, including human rights defenders and humanitarian workers. Independent news media and journalists are frequently targeted in Venezuela, and more than 200 political prisoners remain jailed.

Venezuela is one of the primary sources of geopolitical tension and instability in the Western hemisphere. The regime has developed illicit revenue sources with non-state armed groups, complicating Venezuela's return to democracy, strengthening armed groups that also operate in Colombia, and contributing to challenges in implementing the Colombian Peace Agreement. Of particular concern is the association of Maduro regime officers, including from the military, with these non-state violent groups in illicit gold mining, trafficking of drugs, goods and people, illicit financing and environmental destruction, leading to regional destabilization.

Efforts to resolve the crisis

Canada has been instrumental in the adoption of several statements and resolutions, including at the G7, the G20, the UN Human Rights Council, and the Organization of American States in support of the people of Venezuela in their efforts to improve the human rights situation and living conditions. 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 is committed to protecting human rights and to helping Venezuelans find a negotiated solution to the crisis through the promotion of a peaceful return to democracy. Canada is supportive of the negotiation process between Venezuela’s democratic forces and the Maduro regime. Canada will fully support agreements made by the parties at the negotiation process and strongly encourages the parties to participate in good faith.

International Criminal Court Investigation

Canada 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 September 2020, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela found reasonable grounds to believe that members of the Maduro regime committed acts that constituted “crimes against humanity”. In November 2021, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court opened an investigation to determine if crimes against humanity have been committed by the regime.

Sanctions

To draw attention to attacks on democratic institutions, gross violations of human rights and acts of significant corruption, as well as to promote accountability, and to end impunity for those responsible for such acts Canada has imposed targeted sanctions on individuals involved in those acts. These measures consist of asset freezes and prohibitions on dealings with sanctioned individuals. Visit our Venezuela sanctions page for additional information.

Humanitarian situation in Venezuela and Canada’s response

The crisis in Venezuela continues to severely affect access to basic commodities and essential services such as food, health, education, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene. As of 2022, 94% of Venezuelans live in poverty, and 76% in extreme poverty. COVID-19 has placed additional strain on the healthcare system.

Since 2019, Canada has provided over $40 million in humanitarian, development, and stabilization assistance to respond to needs within Venezuela. Canada’s bilateral development program in Venezuela focuses on improving the health, education, and livelihoods, particularly for women and girls facing increased vulnerabilities, in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. For example, Canada’s support for school feeding helps ensure vulnerable children remain in school and contributes to meeting critical nutritional needs. Canada is also supporting the sexual reproductive health and rights of Venezuelan adolescent girls and boys.

Venezuelan refugee and migrant situation

As of May 2022, more than 6.1 million Venezuelans have fled or left Venezuela since 2015. About 85% of this population remain in the Latin America and Caribbean region, particularly in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. This is placing additional pressure on receiving countries to provide basic services, such as protection, health, and education, as well as employment.

Canada recognizes the leadership of many Latin American and Caribbean countries to respond to this unprecedented situation, including efforts to regularize and integrate Venezuelan refugees and migrants into their countries and communities.

Canada is committed to supporting the efforts of host countries. Since 2019, Canada has provided over CAD $143 million to help meet the needs of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and the communities hosting them. This includes support to improve access to health, education, protection services, and employment, as well as strengthening migration-related institutions and combatting human trafficking.

For example, since 2015 Canada has provided funding to Cuso International to improve inclusive economic growth in Colombia. The project has provided market-driven training for 9,500 women, victims of armed conflict, at-risk youth, and Venezuelan migrants in eight cities. In addition, over 1,000 Venezuelan refugees and migrants, returned Colombians, and members of host communities were linked to formal employment.

Canada’s commitment to supporting Venezuelan refugees and migrants and their host countries included hosting the successful International Donors’ Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants in June 2021. At this event, the international community pledged US$2.35 billion in grants and loans. Canada, as the third largest donor at the event, pledged $115.4 million in humanitarian and development assistance over two years to respond to needs inside Venezuela and across the region.

Canada also actively engages within the Group of Friends of the Quito Process—a donor group that supports the efforts of host countries to find coordinated regional responses to respond to the needs of Venezuelan refugees and migrants and their host communities.

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.

Related links

• Embassy of Canada in Venezuela (operations temporarily suspended)
• Venezuela travel advice and advisories
• Canadian sanctions related to Venezuela
• The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
• International Donors’ Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants