Supporting independent journalism in Venezuela after the earthquakes
The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week have caused widespread destruction, claiming thousands of lives and leaving many more injured or displaced. Among those affected are journalists and media workers, some of whom have lost their homes, equipment and livelihoods.
Free Press Unlimited is in close contact with its Venezuelan partner organisations to assess the most urgent needs and coordinate emergency support. Through our emergency assistance programme, Reporters Respond, and our long-standing network of trusted local partners, we are helping journalists continue their work during one of the country's most challenging moments.
Intimidation and greater restrictions
The earthquakes have struck the country amid ongoing years of political and humanitarian crisis. Venezuela is already dealing with one of the world's largest displacement crises, with around 6.5 million refugees and other people in need of international protection originating from the country over the past decade, according to UNHCR.
Our partners describe an increasingly difficult environment for reporting. Large parts of the affected region remain without reliable electricity or internet access, making it difficult for journalists to file stories. Reporters also describe roadblocks, militarised zones and unreliable transport, slowing efforts to reach affected communities and document the impact of the disaster.
At the same time, journalists are also facing intimidation while carrying out their work. Security forces reportedly monitor and film reporters interviewing survivors, while internet connections are disrupted, forcing journalists to travel long distances before they can publish their work.
More than 40 Venezuelan civil society organisations have called on the authorities to ensure that the humanitarian response respects fundamental human rights, including the public's right to independent information and journalists' ability to report freely and safely.
Support where we can, together with our partners
Free Press Unlimited has worked with independent journalists and media organisations in Venezuela for many years, both inside the country and in exile. Because these partnerships were already in place before the earthquakes, we have been able to respond quickly to the unfolding crisis.
We are in daily contact with our partners to identify the most urgent needs and provide targeted emergency assistance through Reporters Respond. While needs differ from person to person, journalists who were directly affected have requested support ranging from emergency financial assistance and replacement of equipment lost during the earthquakes to reliable internet, power banks, lighting equipment and protective gear, such as helmets as aftershocks continue.
Together with our partners, we are supporting initiatives to promote the well-being of journalists covering the crisis. These initiatives focus on psychosocial support, self-care practices and psychological protection to help media workers and journalists process exposure to traumatic stories. The support network, established before the earthquakes, already reaches hundreds of journalists and has become an important source of practical and emotional support during this crisis. One of our partners is compiling and sharing a list of available emergency funds, including Reporters Respond, to help journalists access additional assistance more easily.
Why this support matters: information as a lifeline
Independent journalism becomes even more important during humanitarian crises. Communities rely on trusted information about rescue efforts, damaged infrastructure, available assistance and the situation on the ground. Journalists also document the realities faced by affected communities and help ensure that the response remains visible and accountable.
Despite the enormous challenges they face, Venezuelan journalists continue to report under difficult circumstances. We will continue working alongside our partners to support independent journalists, both inside Venezuela and in exile, so they can keep informing the public when reliable information is needed most.
