Political tension in Venezuela over a proposed law that threatens NGOs.

The political situation in Venezuela has become even more tense with the recent proposal from the National Assembly, dominated by Chavismo, which seeks to oversee and regulate the functioning of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country. This initiative, called the "Law on Oversight, Regulation, Operation, and Financing of Non-Governmental Organizations and Related Entities," has sparked a wide range of reactions both inside and outside the country, reflecting the growing discontent towards Nicolás Maduro's government. The discussion on this law will resume in a context marked by strong allegations of irregularities in the presidential elections held on July 28, where Maduro was proclaimed the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE). The protests that erupted following the announcement resulted in violent repression, leaving a tragic toll of at least 25 dead and more than 1,300 detained, according to reports from the NGO Foro Penal. The president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, defended the proposal, claiming that some NGOs act as "fronts for financing terrorist actions." This statement is part of a broader strategy by the regime to delegitimize and silence those who criticize its practices. The growing repression against activists, journalists, and human rights defenders has led many to label this proposed law as a threat to democracy and fundamental rights in the country. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged the Venezuelan government to reject the bill, warning of its negative impact on human rights and democracy. Gina Romero, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, has also expressed concern over the stigmatizing language used by Chavismo, which associates the activities of NGOs with terrorism and extremism. Since the launch of the initiative in January 2023, Chavista leaders, including Diosdado Cabello, have demonized NGOs as agents of "imperialism" and have insinuated that their existence is an obstacle to the country's stability. This narrative has been used as a justification to impose stricter controls on organizations operating in the fields of human rights and other social areas. Critics of the law have pointed out that, far from seeking a regulatory framework that strengthens the activities of NGOs, the norm aims to establish an oppressive administrative regime that limits their ability to operate and receive funding, especially from international sources. Carlos Correa, director of the NGO Espacio Público, has stated that if approved, the law would require all NGOs to re-register and comply with a burdensome set of requirements, which could lead many to inactivity. The draft law stipulates that NGOs must register and declare their sources of funding, which could be used as a tool to silence those that criticize the government. A long list of administrative requirements is proposed that, in practice, would serve to limit the right to association and the operation of these organizations in a country where freedom of expression is already severely restricted. Some sectors, such as the Forum for Life, have denounced that this initiative is part of a systematic state policy of harassment and criminalization against NGOs and human rights defenders. According to this coalition's claims, the project represents a direct attack on democratic principles and the protection of human rights in Venezuela. The fundamental critique of the proposed law lies in the fact that if the regime truly wishes to combat terrorism and crime, it already has existing legal tools to do so. However, its evident goal is to dismantle organizations dedicated to the defense of human rights, as their work contrasts with the official narrative and highlights the systematic violations occurring in the country. Ultimately, Chavismo's intention to regulate NGOs is framed within an effort to consolidate its control over civil society and eliminate any form of dissent that could threaten its regime. The struggle for the defense of human rights and freedom of expression in Venezuela faces a new challenge, and the international community is closely watching the developments that lie ahead in this context of growing repression.