Venezuela: Protests and looting regularly reported

Event

Incidents of protests and looting continue to be reported on a regular basis throughout Venezuela, notably in the capital Caracas. As an example, on Monday, February 26, medical employees, teachers, and airline employees staged demonstrations in Caracas in protest of ongoing shortages of basic necessities. According to security officials, at least 714 protests and 141 incidents of looting were reported in January 2018, which represents a more than 85 percent increase over the number of protests reported in January 2017.

Continued protests related to ongoing shortages of food and other basic goods are likely in the coming weeks and months.

Context

Venezuelans face severe shortages of medicines, gasoline, food, and other basic necessities as the ongoing economic crisis in the country continues to worsen. The IMF has estimated that in 2018 the Venezuelan economy will shrink by 15 percent and inflation in the country will reach 13,000 percent. Besides economic challenges, Venezuela is also facing ongoing political, social, and security crises.

In the first half of 2017 Venezuela was shaken by four months of violent anti-government protests, coinciding with ongoing political, economic, social, and health crises. While the incidence of protests has fallen significantly in recent months, the potential for further large-scale protests and associated violence endures. Some 125 people were killed in the 2017 protests, the majority by security forces who have repeatedly been accused of excessive use of force.

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela should systematically avoid all protests due to the high risk of violence. Additionally, travelers to the country should bring with them a sufficient supply of all necessary medication (as well as an additional two-week supply in case the trip is unexpectedly extended) and any other necessities. All travelers are advised to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (covering emergency evacuation) prior to departure.