The Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference has called on the government of Nicolas Maduro to “listen to the cry of the people” and allow humanitarian aid into the country.
Violence broke out in the border regions on 22 February as opposition activists tried to defy the government’s ban and bring food and medical aid, currently held in Columbia and Brazil, into the country which is struggling with hyperinflation and food shortages. Four people were killed in three days of clashes with Venezuelan forces and over 300 injured.
In an eight-point statement published on 21 February the bishops’ conference, the bishops write that “the general deterioration of living conditions has led the country to extreme situations, particularly in the field of food and health.”
The text continues: “The country needs humanitarian aid. The regime is obliged to meet the needs of the population and to facilitate the entry and distribution of aid, avoiding any kind of repressive violence. To ask for and receive help is a moral duty that concerns us all, given the dramatic shortcomings and the urgencies suffered by the Venezuelan people.”
The bishops clarified that aid is guided by “internationally accepted protocols” in response to situations of crisis. It “should not respond to political interests but the wellbeing of the most vulnerable,” the statement continued.
The Bishops reaffirmed the commitment of Caritas and other organisations to receive and distribute humanitarian aid, under the principles of respect for human and humanitarian rights.
The conference also confirmed that they are against all types of violence.
“No violence or manipulation should be created among the citizens as many people who are in extreme situations will benefit from humanitarian aid”, they write.
Following the violent clashes on 23 February, the bishop of San Cristobal, Monsignor Mario Moronta said, “we call on all soldiers and police officers that in the name of God, do not raise your voice nor attack with arms those who have been trying to achieve something for the good of the Venezuelan people.”
The opposition, led by Juan Guaidó who declared himself interim president in late January, hope the delivery of aid will undermine Maduro’s leadership and trigger defections from security forces loyal to Maduro.
On Saturday, Maduro denounced the humanitarian supplies as a US-led excuse to destabilise his government. He continued, telling a rally in Caracas that he was “stronger than ever” and that those trying to ship aid were “traitors”.
That same day Guido declared victory, telling his supporters that aid trucks had crossed the borders. However, by evening, the two trucks reported to have made it into the country had returned across the border, citing security concerns.
On Sunday, Guaidó wrote on Twitter: “The events of today oblige me to take a decision to formally propose to the international community that we should keep all options open to achieve the liberation of our homeland”.
The self-declared leader is to meet US Vice-president Mike Pence today (Monday) in Columbia, amidst speculation that the American government would consider using force to remove Maduro from power. The US recognised Guaidó as interim leader in January.