United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the UN Security Council on Monday that there must be "full respect" for the UN Charter in the face of a US military intervention in Venezuela, as well as the seizure and abduction of President Nicolás Maduro. Guterres also expressed deep concern about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the dangerous precedent this intervention could set for international relations.
Guterres reiterated his deep concern that the rules of international law were not respected regarding Saturday's military intervention. He emphasized that the UN Charter enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any member state.
On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in a large-scale US military operation in Caracas. They were abducted and transferred to New York. Reportedly, more than 80 people were killed in the US attack, including 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez became acting president of Venezuela as ordered by the Supreme Court.
These latest developments follow a period of heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela that began in mid-August. US officials have insisted that there is "no war against Venezuela or its people."
Gross violation of UN Charter
Saturday’s U.S. military intervention in Venezuela constitutes a gross violation of international law and severe interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country. Such action threatens regional stability and constitutes a breach of the United Nations Charter, as well as the laws and constitution of the United States.
On Saturday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had expressed already deep alarm over the recent escalation in Venezuela, which culminated in the United States taking military action in the country. He stated that this action "has potential worrying implications for the region."
Through his spokesperson, Guterres warned that such developments set a dangerous precedent, regardless of the situation in Venezuela. He emphasized the importance of respecting international law — "by all" — including the UN Charter, and expressed deep concern that international law has not been respected.
The UN Charter enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
The Venezuelan government has characterized the US action as military aggression carried out in civilian and military areas and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter that poses a threat to international and regional peace and security.
Sharp increase in purchase of water, food, and fuel across multiple regions
According to the EU's humanitarian office (ECHO), the security situation is reportedly calm, though there has been a sharp increase in the purchase of preventive supplies, such as water, food, and fuel, across multiple regions. There has also been rapid price inflation and growing barriers to access, including widespread cash-only transactions in foreign currency.
ECHO reported today that all humanitarian field operations are suspended nationwide on Monday and Tuesday, pending further security verification. Territorial coordination mechanisms via local coordinators have been activated, and monitoring of migration flows has been enhanced. So far, there have been no reports of changes in the dynamics of migration.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today that the UN and its humanitarian partners are assessing the situation and focusing on providing support as needed. According to OCHA, aid agencies continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including food, healthcare, and protection services.
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilians, as well as preserving operational continuity so that assistance can be delivered in line with humanitarian principles.
Oxfam warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis
On Monday, the international humanitarian organization Oxfam International condemned the blatant violations of international law in Venezuela and warned of their impact on peace, democracy, and human rights.
Venezuela has experienced prolonged democratic deterioration, civic space restrictions, and serious human rights violations, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Latin America that has forced some 8 million Venezuelans to abandon their homeland.
"Venezuelan civil society has been on the front lines, providing humanitarian aid and standing with those most affected by the crisis," said Gloria García Parra, Oxfam's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
"Now, more than ever, we must recognize and strengthen these efforts by supporting them as they continue to defend human rights, protect vulnerable people, and work toward restoring democracy."
Oxfam also warned that this intervention could lead to violence against civilians and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the South American country.
Largest humanitarian crisis in South America
The political turmoil and socioeconomic decline in Venezuela have resulted in one of the world's largest migration crises and the worst humanitarian crisis in South America. The country is experiencing a political and economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, limited food availability, medicine shortages, violent crime, and severe human rights violations.
In 2026, at least 7.9 million Venezuelans within the country — more than a quarter of the population — are in need of humanitarian assistance. Of the nearly 8 million who have crossed into other countries, the majority are also in need of humanitarian support.
Since 2014, more than 7.9 million refugees and migrants have left Venezuela due to the humanitarian crisis and ongoing political and socioeconomic instability. This has triggered the largest external displacement crisis in Latin America's recent history.
As of late 2025, it is estimated that over 6.9 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees are living in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Seventeen countries throughout the region host around 85 percent of Venezuelans who have fled their home country.
Neighboring Colombia hosts the largest number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants (2.8 million), followed by Peru (1.7 million), Brazil (627,000), Chile (532,000), and Ecuador (445,000). In 2026, an estimated 4.2 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants are in need of humanitarian assistance.