The Global Student Forum (GSF) expresses concern following reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured amid military operations in Venezuela. These developments are taking place alongside statements by the United States authorities asserting an intention to exercise effective control over the territory and governance of Venezuela during an interim period, pending a political transition
GSF expresses grave concern regarding the reported intentions of United States authorities to exercise effective control over Venezuela’s territory and key state assets, including its oil sector, during a possible political transition. These intentions, together with the resort to military force and the capture of political leaders, raise serious concerns under international law, notably regarding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non‑intervention established in the Charter of the United Nations.
As a global student movement, GSF is particularly concerned by the consequences for students, education workers, and academic institutions. Military action and political upheaval place students at heightened risk, disrupt access to education, and undermine academic freedom and the right to education.
GSF takes note of the condemnation expressed by the Latin American and Caribbean Continental Organization of Students (OCLAE), and recalls regional commitments to peace articulated by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), particularly the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
GSF calls on
- All parties to immediately de-escalate and halt military actions and related acts of violence.
- States and international actors to fully respect Venezuela’s sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity, and to comply with international law.
- The United Nations to urgently engage through independent fact-finding and diplomatic efforts.
- Student unions and academic communities worldwide to stand in solidarity with Venezuelan students.
GSF will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with student organizations in Venezuela and the wider region to ensure that student safety, rights, and access to education remain central to the international response.
