Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Venezuela

The people of Venezuela need solidarity now. The international community must not allow this emergency to deepen into a larger human tragedy.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Principals express solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes and aftershocks that have struck the country, causing loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction since 24 June 2026.

This disaster comes on top of an already challenging humanitarian context. Even before the earthquakes, millions of people across Venezuela were facing food insecurity, collapsing health services, protection risks, and limited access to basic services. For many communities already living in vulnerability, this latest shock is catastrophic.

Humanitarian organisations are mobilising alongside government and local civil society responders to assess needs and deliver life-saving assistance. At this critical time, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, safe operational conditions, and transparent information sharing are essential to ensure assistance reaches those most affected.

The IASC Principals call on all relevant authorities to facilitate humanitarian operations and enable principled, inclusive, and effective coordination and ensure that women and girls in particular have access to services. National and local organisations, who are often the first and most sustained responders, must be fully supported and included in the response.

We urge the international community to act swiftly and decisively by providing flexible and timely funding to scale up emergency relief, including shelter, food, health care, protection, water and sanitation, and psychosocial support.