CARACAS, VENEZUELA (HRNW) — Human Rights Watch has called for institutional reforms and further human-rights measures in Venezuela following its first official visit to the country in 18 years.

Human Rights Watch said its delegation visited Caracas during the week of September 14 and met government officials, human-rights organizations, opposition representatives, journalists, relatives of political prisoners and diplomats.

The organization said Venezuelan authorities have taken several measures since January, including releasing hundreds of political prisoners, approving an amnesty law, unblocking some media websites and announcing judicial reforms.

Human Rights Watch also noted that some activists, opposition figures and journalists reported greater freedom to carry out their work.

However, the organization said significant restrictions remain.

According to Human Rights Watch, Venezuelan human-rights organization Foro Penal reported that at least 344 political prisoners remained detained. The organization said others continued to face house arrest or other restrictions.

Human Rights Watch called for the release of people it considers arbitrarily detained and urged authorities to ensure humane detention conditions.

The organization also called for international experts, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN human-rights office, to have access to prisons and other detention facilities.

Further recommendations include reviewing laws affecting human-rights groups and media organizations and strengthening judicial independence.

Human Rights Watch said Venezuela’s authorities have announced processes to reform the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and Electoral Council as part of a political dialogue process.

The organization also highlighted continuing humanitarian difficulties, including electricity blackouts and water shortages, while citing civil-society assessments concerning unmet basic needs.

Human Rights Watch said the country is at a significant institutional moment and called for reforms aimed at protecting basic rights and strengthening independent institutions.

The organization’s visit represents a new stage in its engagement with Venezuela after its previous high-level visit in 2008.

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Disclaimer

This article is based on Human Rights Watch’s September 18, 2026 assessment following its official visit to Venezuela. Figures concerning political prisoners, humanitarian needs and other conditions are attributed to Human Rights Watch and the organizations it cites.