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Venezuelan Elections at a Time of Human Rights Concerns

Date:
Location:
385 Russell Senate Office Building

Announcement

Co-hosted by the Senate Human Rights Caucus
In conjunction with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and the National Endowment for Democracy

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US Senate Human Rights Caucus logo
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Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission logo

In recent years Venezuela has experienced escalating political turmoil and severe economic crises under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro. High inflation rates, cuts in public services, and the breakdown in protection of due process have set the stage for contentious legislative elections on December 6, 2015. Poll numbers increasingly indicate grassroots support for opposition parties. Merely having elections is insufficient. The elections should proceed freely, fairly, and without violence. Expert panelists will discuss what the international community should look for as elections move forward. Panelists will also examine the Venezuelan National Electoral Council’s (CNE) capacity to administer free and fair elections, prevent corruption, and remain independent from the influence of political forces.

Hosted by:

Chris Coons
U.S. Senator
Co-Chair, SHRC
 
Mark Kirk
U.S. Senator
Co-Chair, SHRC
 
James P. McGovern
Member of Congress
Co-Chair, TLHRC
Joseph R. Pitts
Member of Congress
Co-Chair, TLHRC
Witnesses

Participants

Panelists

  • Miriam Kornblith, Senior Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, National Endowment for Democracy
  • Jose Miguel Vivanco, Executive Director, Americas Division, Human Rights Watch
  • Santiago A. Canton, Executive Director, RFK Partners for Human Rights, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights 

Moderator

  • Russ Dallen, Editor-in-Chief, Latin American Herald Tribune

Contact The Commission

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
House Committee on Foreign Affairs
4150 O'Neill House Office Building
200 C Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20515
United States of America

Phone: +1 (202) 225-3599
TLHRC@mail.house.gov

Accessibility

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If you are in need of special accommodations, please call (202) 225-3599 at least four business days in advance.

Questions with regard to special accommodations in general (including availability of Commission materials in alternative formats and assistive listening devices, sign language interpretation, etc.) may be directed to the Commission.

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