Torres 1

Venezuela: Resistencia Contra elGobierno

Minerva Torres

Marian Schlotterbeck

History 161

29 July 2015

Executive Summary:

On February 12, 2014, massive nation-wide protest began occurring in Venezuela. Initially led by students, protesters took to the streets to show their disapproval of President Nicolas Maduro and his administration. In particular, protesters were frustrated with how the people of Venezuela were living and being treated. Maduro who became President in the later half of 2013, did not have the same charisma that former President Hugo Chavez had during his administration between 1999-2013. While, some had expressed discontent under Chavez, the living conditions under Maduro drove the population to engage in vast public protest. Since then, these protest have continued largely due to the lack of response on part of the Venezuelan government, many calling their actions a humans right violation. Despite having one of the world’s largest oil reserves, citizens of Venezuela have not seen the benefits. According to one report, in late 2014 inflation reached 63.4%, making it difficult for many to have access to basic necessities such as food and healthcare.[1] Grocery stores are found empty, hospitals no longer have adequate medical supplies, and protesters claim they are being treated with excess force by the military, which is responsible for containing protest.

Conditions in Venezuela are being broadcasted throughout the world. President Nicolas Maduro has received a great deal of backlash, as many perceive Venezuela to be violating social, economic, and cultural human rights. On June 29 and 30, 2015, Venezuela was part of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland.[2] Many Non-governmental organizations such as “Programa Venezolano de Educacion-Acción en Derechos Humanos and United Nations Watch were in attendance with reports that gave evidence of the human rights violations in Venezuela. One report stated that the government had denied a judge by the name of Maria Lourdes Afiuni, a proper trial. In addition, she had been tortured and raped while in custody. Countless have stated that this is not an isolated event, but one that occurs often since the protests first began.

Venezuelan officials continuously have denied any accusation of human rights violation. During the review in Switzerland, representatives on behalf of Venezuelan denied all allegations, and stated that they were being targeted to “look like the devil.” Similarly, the government has accused pharmaceutical companies for shortage of medical supplies. Many hospitals no longer receive basic medical supplies such as gaze, needles, and antibiotics. In addition, some have had to close their doors due to lack of necessities. These hospitals blame the government for failing to provide these materials.

Other countries have also taken notice of the situation in Venezuela. Earlier this year, the United Sates and the Obama administration began addressing the situation in Venezuela. Due to increase in violence, torture, and human rights violations the United States felt obligated to intervene. In March 2015, President Obama sanctioned seven Venezuelan officials who have been accused of a human rights violation. He states “Venezuela is a threat to foreign policy and no Venezuelan officials who violate human rights will be welcomed to the country.”[3] The Venezuelan government has not taken these actions lightly. As a response to President Obama’s statement, Venezuelan National Assembly: Diosado Cabello says that the U.S. poses a threat to themselves and the rest of the world.

The United States has taken aggressive action against Venezuela, but other countries have kept away from the commotion. During the “Summit of the Americas” held in Panama June 2015, the U.S. hoped they would be backed up by other American counties. However, many counties have been reluctant speak out against their neighbors, as many have business contracts with them. Thus, a once thriving healthcare system and the happiness of the people no longer inhabits Venezuela. Today many are suffering as they are denied basic necessities under a government who does not care.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

Such violence is not a new phenomenon in Venezuela. For decades, the people of Venezuela have been subjected to an oppressive government who has not always had their best interest in mind. The 1980’s were home to many economic crises in the country. Carlos Andres Perez, who was President in the late 1980’s, seems to be the start of the economic crisis that we still see in Venezuela today. Andres Perez is most known for his “paquetazo”, which translates to “great package”. This ‘package” was an over night announcement which occurred on February 16, 1989. This “privatized state businesses, provided free trade, increased the cost public services as well as gasoline.”[4] Following this, inflation increased, Venezuelan currency was valued .13 to 1, according to Ensartaos. In addition, many products such as meat increase by up to fifty percent. These situation and difficulties eventually led to mass protest in metropolitan areas; a most known one was Caricuao.[5]These protest were massive, surprise and violent, which proved too much for the local police to contain. Thus, the President was forced to call the National Guard, which would prove to have negative consequences. The National Guard used force and violence to defeat protesters, resulting in hundreds dead. This combined with terrible economic and social conditions would lead numerous coup attempts.

On February 4, 1992, Hugo Chavez, along with a rebel army led a coup d’état against sitting President Carlos Andres Perez in an attempt to overthrow the president. However, troops loyal to the president were able to suppress and Chavez was thrown into prison for two years. It was during this decade that Chavez was really able to make a name for him in the political world. After completing his sentence he became highly involved in politics, declaring his concern for political reform. In return, he gained popular support and was democratically elected as president in 1999. His presidency would last until his death in 2013. Hugo Chavez was very charismatic and popular among Venezuelan’s. During his time as president, Chavez created social and economic reforms that benefited the majority of Venezuelans. His policy was known as “chauvinism” and his supporters as “chavistas”. One of the biggest contributions Chavez was able to make, as President was a thriving healthcare system. Hugo Chavez teamed up with Cuba and was able to increase the number of doctors and medical supplies in Venezuela. Polices such as this, is what helped increase support for Chavez, especially among the poor, who represented the majority of the population. Chavez had a great charisma that caused his followers to love and admire him. We see this in the way that Venezuelan’s expressed themselves about him. They often wore red shirts with his face depicted, made posters, jewelry, etc. In addition, a significant number of Venezuelans even have tattoos of the late president.

Hugo Chavez’s stance against the United States also made him an admirable man. While many allied with the U.S., Chavez was not afraid to take a stance against the U.S empire and often publically denounced it and its president. He used Venezuela’s oil reserves as a way to benefit the country. He nationalized oil reserves and sent multinational oil firms fleeing.[6] It was not until 2012 where the country began experiencing complications such as high inflation, food shortages, and an increased crime rate.[7] Despite all this, he was able to secure the 2012 election and once again was President. On March 5, 2013 Hugo Chavez died from health complications. Vice-President Nicolas Maduro served as interim president until he was officially elected.

In April 2013, Nicolas Maduro officially became President of Venezuela. The following months would demonstrate to have negative impact on the lives of Venezuelans. Many began to report a continued drop in the economy, healthcare system, education, and lifestyle. In addition, many claimed the government used excess force with the population in an attempt to silence them. This often led to numerous death, and eventually mass protest. Furthermore, conditions in Venezuela began to be looked as a human rights issue. While Maduro has stated numerous times that there is not a human rights issue in Venezuela, evidence points in another direction.

Maduro also faces another problem, despite his effort, and his announcement to maintain “chavismo”, Maduro does not have the same charisma with the people as Chavez had. Unlike Chavez, Maduro is not able to easily persuade the population as easy as Chavez.

Analysis:

Since 2012 Venezuelans, particularly the lower class, has began experiencing negative impacts of social and economic policies. Crime and inflation have greatly risen. In addition, it has been progressively difficult for many to gain access to basic necessities such as food and healthcare. This has lead to increase upheaval among the population, and in return an increase in police and military violence against the people.

Venezuela was once home to a thriving health care system. There were an abundant number of doctors, hospitals, etc. Today many suffer or are left to die due to a lack in healthcare and medical supplies. Many find themselves without eve the most basic medical essentials, causing great commotion. Other basic needs are also beginning to diminish. Food is becoming a scarce source, leaving many to buy in bulk for they fear running out. In response citizens have began executing massive protest denouncing the government and current living standards.

In response, the police have used force, in an attempt to suppress these masses. As a result many have died. Moreover, many claim that the government is using a force that violates their rights as citizens. There have been numerous accounts of detainees who are denied a fair trail, are tortured, and some are raped. This has lead to further resistance of the government on part of the population.

Historically, Venezuela has been grounds for much violence. Much of what we see today echoes the situation during Carlos Andres Perez term. During this time many were suffering from inflation, causing shortage of food and healthcare. Then, just as we see today, many were unwilling to standby and took part in protests against their government. In this way, today’s situation is a continuation of a long battle of the people versus the government. When look at both situations, the similarities between these different time periods resonate with one another.

As historians it is important to look at situations as objectively as possible. It is also advantageous to compare situations in similarities and differences. Latin America has often been the subject of human right violations, with numerous dictatorships; oppression, protest, and upheaval that have occurred since the last half of the twentieth century.

There are different components to take into account when analyzing a situation, in this case the current situation of Venezuela. In doing so we bring different local, national, and international components. Locally, we often see the masses composed of the lower-class try to overcome a suppressing government.

One international component that is common with other Latin American countries is the role of the United States. The United States has had a long history of involvement in Latin American issues from supporting dictatorship, to suppressing governments all in the name of democracy. Similarly, the United States has taken action against the Venezuela, in which President Obama sanctioned seven Venezuelan officials. In a statement, Obama has aid that current situations in Venezuela are human rights violations, and those who commit such acts shall not be allowed to enter the United Sates. In response, Maduro has denied all allegations of human rights violation, and has urged the US to repeal his executive order.

Despite denial of human rights violations on part of the Venezuelan government, media outlets have poured with images of the current situation that Venezuelans face. On the news and online we are shown long lines where many wait to enter a grocery store or pharmacy, in an attempt to retrieve supplies before they run out. We also see the confrontation between the population and the police.

After months of protest, hostility, and disagreement between the government and the population, the violence has not seized. This leaves many to wonder if the government will ever be held accountable for their actions in Venezuela.

Works Cited

  1. Agencies in San Cristobal. "“Venezuelan 14-year-old Shot Dead during Anti-government Protest”." The Guardian. N.p., 24 Feb. 2015. Web.
  2. Betsy, Klein. "“White House Sanctions Venezuela for Rights Abuse, Corruption”." CNN Politics. N.p., 09 Mar. 2015. Web.
  3. "Chavez Marks His Failed Coup." BBC News. BBC, 04 Feb. 2002. Web.
  4. Diederik, Lohaman. "Venezuelans Can’t Get Even the Most Basic Lifesaving Medical Supplies." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2015. Web.
  5. "“ Latin American Leaders Remain Silent on Venezuela’s Human Rights Abuses”." Latino Fox News. N.p., 08 Apr. 2015. Web.
  6. "Maduro’s Muzzle." The Economist. N.p., 04 Apr. 2015. Web.
  7. McCarthy, Julie. "Loved Or Loathed, Hugo Chavez Was The Ultimate Showman." NPR. NPR, 06 Mar. 2013. Web.
  8. Olson, Alexandra, and Frank Bajak. "Nicolas Maduro, Hugo Chavez’s Heir, to Take over Divided Venezuela." Washington Times. The Washington Times, 15 Mar. 2013. Web.
  9. Otis, John. "In Latin America, Not Everyone Is Thrilled With The U.S.-Cuba Thaw." NPR. NPR, 18 Dec. 2014. Web.
  10. PG. "Not so Pretty." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 05 May 2014. Web.
  11. Press, Associated. "Violent Clashes in Venezuela on Protest Movement Anniversary." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 12 Feb. 2015. Web.
  12. "Venezuela: Human Rights before the United Nations Human Rights Committee." Human Rights Watch. N.p., 29 June 2015. Web.
  13. "Venezuela: Stop Harassing Human Rights Defenders." Human Rights Watch. N.p., 07 Apr. 2015. Web.
  14. "VenezuelaTuya." Venezuela Tuya. N.p., n.d. Web. <

[1]“Venezuela’s annual inflation rises to 63.4%” Latin America & the Caribbean. BBC NEWS. 10 September 2014

[2] Hugo Perez Hernaiz and David Smilde. “UN Human Rights Committee Examines Venezuela on Political and Civil Rights” Venezuela Blog on Tumblr. 09 July 2015.

[3] Betsy, Klein. “White House sanctions Venezuela or rights abuses, corruption” CNN POLITICS. 09 March 2015

[4] Gomez, Nathali. “El dia que Carlos Andrez Perez puso el pueblo contra la pared.” Ensartaos.com.ve.

[5] Venezuelatuya.com

[6] McCarthy, Julie. “Loved or Loathed, Hugo Chavez was the Ultimate Showman” The Two-way. 06 March 2013.

[7] McCarthy, Julie. “Loved or Loathed, Hugo Chavez was the Ultimate Showman” The Two-way. 06 March 2013.