The closing of civic space in Venezuela: resistance and repression in an authoritarian context

Abstract

The data obtained in the study published in the report “Challenging the Darkness: Resistance and Resilience of Civil Society in the Labyrinth of Venezuelan Authoritarianism” evidences one of the most alarming processes faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) in Venezuela: the systematic closure of civic space. In a context of consolidated authoritarianism, the Venezuelan government has resorted to a combination of repressive measures to reduce, control and, in many cases, eliminate opportunities for collective action and defense of human rights. This analysis will focus on how the report reflects the ongoing assault on freedoms and the devastating impact on Venezuelan civil society.