Venezuelas political shock has sharpened global attention on a country already facing one of the worlds largest humanitarian and displacement crises. For the United Nations, the priority remains unchanged: protecting lives, sustaining basic services and supporting Venezuelans at home and across the region.

Responding to the seizure of Venezuela President Nicols Maduro by the United States, UN human rights chief Volker Trk on Tuesday reiterated deep concerns that the military operation undermined fundamental protections for sovereign countries.

The UN Security Council met on Monday against a sharply altered diplomatic backdrop, following US strikes on the Venezuelan capital and seizure of President Nicols Maduro.

• Venezuela has endured years ofeconomic collapse, political instability, hyperinflation and economic sanctions from Washington, compounded by floods, landslides and other climate shocks.
• The recent seizure of President Nicols Maduro by US special forces has added a new layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
• According to the UN aid coordination office,OCHA,7.9 million peoplemore than a quarter of the population need urgent humanitarian assistance.

UNHCR/Jaime GimnezUNHCR Provides Legal and Health Assistance to Venezuelan Refugees in Tacna, Peru.

• The UN maintains abroad operational presencein Venezuela, with most agencies active on the ground.
• Work spansfood security, healthcare, gender equality, education, decent work, water and sanitation, and peacebuilding.
• Agencies including the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO) and the reproductive rights agency, UNFPA, deliver life-saving aid and help keep essential services running from food distributions and nutrition screenings to maternal care and clean water projects.
• Following the latest political developments, UN leadership in the country said it isclosely assessing needsto ensure support can be scaled up if required.

• Venezuelas human rights situation remains a core UN concern.
• TheOffice of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights(OHCHR) continues to monitor violations.
• Briefing the Human Rights Council last month, High CommissionerVolker Trkwarned of , citing increased militarisation, threats to journalists and human rights defenders, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances.
• UN investigators have stressed thataccountability for long-documented abusesincluding extrajudicial killings, torture and sexual and gender-based violence must not be overshadowed by the current crisis.

IOM/Gema CortsMigrants arriving at the Lajas Blancas reception centre in Darien, Panama.

• It is too early to know whether recent events will intensify themass displacementthat has unfolded over the past decade.
• Millions of Venezuelans have already fled repression, instability and economic hardship.
• Nearlyhalfof those who have left rely on informal, low-paid work;42 per centstruggle to afford enough food, and23 per centlive in overcrowded housing.

• The UN refugee agency UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) coordinate a regional response across 17 countries.
• This effort has helpedmore than 4.5 million Venezuelansin Latin America and the Caribbean obtain regular status, giving access to documentation, protection and basic services.
• The latest regional plan seeks$1.4 billionto reach2.3 million vulnerable people, focusing on jobs, education, healthcare and protection.

IOM/Gema CortsWarao families make their way to the local church in Icacos, Trinidad and Tobago for cash distribution.

• Despite reiterated UN commitment to Venezuelansdignity and protection, resources are stretched.
• In 2025, just17 per centof theover $600 millionrequired for Venezuelas Humanitarian Response Plan had been received.
• UN officials warn that without increased funding, aid agencies will be forced toscale back supportat a moment of heightened need.

Political turmoil may dominate headlines, but for the UN the mission is constant: keep humanitarian lifelines open, defend human rights and support Venezuelans inside the country and beyond its borders through an unfolding crisis with global consequences

UNHCR/Jaime GimnezUNHCR Provides Legal and Health Assistance to Venezuelan Refugees in Tacna, Peru.IOM/Gema CortsMigrants arriving at the Lajas Blancas reception centre in Darien, Panama.IOM/Gema CortsWarao families make their way to the local church in Icacos, Trinidad and Tobago for cash distribution.