Summary

The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, on his official country visit to Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) from 1 to 14 February 2024. 

The report provides a first-hand assessment of the country’s efforts in addressing food security and malnutrition. The report acknowledges Venezuela’s progressive legal framework and various government initiatives, such as the CLAP programme, aimed at addressing food insecurity. 

The report highlights the severe impact of unilateral sanctions, which have exacerbated economic challenges, reduced food availability, and increased dependence on humanitarian aid. Structural issues, including reliance on food imports and insufficient support for small-scale farmers, have further deepened food insecurity. Groups in vulnerable situations, including women, children, older persons, Indigenous communities, and detainees, face disproportionate challenges in accessing adequate food and nutrition. 

The Special Rapporteur calls for urgent reforms, emphasizing the need for greater transparency in food policies and strengthened support for local agricultural production. He recommends a national action plan to secure the right to food in Venezuela.