Human Rights in Venezuela: Status and Opportunity
Hearing Notice
Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on the human rights in Venezuela.
The people of Venezuela have long experienced violations of their civil and political rights and economic and social rights. This has included the closing of political space, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial executions, as documented by bodies including the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela established by the UN Human Rights Council and the Special Follow-up Mechanism for Venezuela created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
The twin massive earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24 have caused additional human suffering among a population already struggling to meet basic needs due to the economic policies and corruption of the Maduro government.
On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife and transported them to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a three-step plan for Venezuela of stabilization, recovery and transition.
The witnesses will discuss the human rights and humanitarian situation in Venezuela and offer recommendations for U.S. policy.
The hearing will be held in person and is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the interested public, and the media. The hearing will be livestreamed via the Commission website. For any questions, please contact Todd Stein (for Co-Chair McGovern) or Mark Milosch (for Co-Chair Smith).
Hosted by:
| James P. McGovern Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC | Chris Smith Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC |
Witnesses
- Martha Tineo, Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón
- Beatriz “Bibi” Borges, Executive Director, Center for Justice and Peace
- Laura Cristina Dib, Director for Venezuela, Washington Office on Latin America
- Isabel Carlota Roby, Senior Staff Attorney for Latin America, Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
- Andrés Martínez-Fernández, Senior Policy Analyst, Latin America, Allison Center for National Security, The Heritage Foundation