Venezuela's Governance Crisis: Balancing Sovereignty and Human Rights

The committee's goal is to analyze the governance crisis currently going on in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and look for a way to balance sovereignty with fundamental human rights. Since the late 20th century, Venezuela has been submerged in a political and economic turmoil. This situation has worsened over the last few years under president Nicolás Maduro’s rule, which faces contested leadership and an acute economic collapse. He has been accused by many of his opponents of severe human rights violations like persecution, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention and torture. This has led Venezuela into a massive humanitarian crisis, where the people face a lack of access to food, water and healthcare, accompanied by a hyperinflation that reached its peak in 2018 with an inflation rate of 63,374.08% (O’Neill, 2024).

This committee will address current problems related to this crisis such as the mass displacement of around 6.1 million venezuelans as a result of the socio-economic and political situation and how it affects neighboring countries. We will also examine how international aid and cooperation can be implemented without disrespecting Venezuela’s sovereignty. Delegates will debate questions regarding international recognition of the Venezuelan government, the role of sanctions and their humanitarian impact, solutions to the refugee crisis, and mechanisms to ensure accountability for human rights violations.

This committee is vital for understanding how international actors can address severe humanitarian issues within sovereign states. It challenges delegates to explore innovative solutions that respect state autonomy while upholding global human rights standards. As Venezuela's crisis continues to evolve, this debate holds critical relevance for global diplomacy and human rights advocacy.