Reacting to the news that Venezuelan democracy activist and opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International said:
“This is an important recognition to María Corina Machado, but also to the people of Venezuela who, for years, have endured repression and persecution for daring to think differently and challenging authorities over human rights violations. Even when she was first banned from participating in the elections, and then forced into hiding, she refused to be silenced and continued speaking up against the government.
“For all the Venezuelans who have been considered opponents, dissidents, or critics because of their belief in human rights, this award should mark a turning point in history, especially for prisoners of conscience and all those currently facing the cruelty and arbitrariness from the Venezuelan authorities with despair.
“Every year, millions of people –including children- across Venezuela are repressed by authorities and forced into exile. Thousands are victims of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and other ill-treatment, as well as countless human rights violations and crimes under international law.
“Today’s award must be a celebration of the resistance and resilience of those fighting peacefully for justice and human rights, from communities, unions, parties, and movements in the exercise of political rights, demanding change, at great personal risk, proving that humanity has the power to win.
“We hope that this award and its global recognition will generate renewed attention on the human rights crisis in Venezuela and will help boost the international community’s will and support needed by the international justice mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, to ensure justice for victims in Venezuela.”
Today’s award must be a celebration of the resistance and resilience of those fighting peacefully for justice and human rights, from communities, unions, parties, and movements in the exercise of political rights, demanding change, at great personal risk, proving that humanity has the power to win.
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director at Amnesty International
The post Global: Nobel Peace Prize honours María Corina Machado and the pro-democracy movement in Venezuela appeared first on Amnesty International.