Crisis Response Fund Venezuela Appeal
- Details
- Category: Get Involved
- Published on Wednesday, 16 November 2011 10:15
Human Rights Defender Dr Humberto Prado Sifontes, director of Venezuela Prison Watch (OVP), is committed to changing Venezuelan public prison policy. Over 400 inmates, 1-2% of the prison population, are killed per year. Many more are subjected to cruel, inhumane treatment and torture. As a result of his advocacy Humberto has been harassed, subjected to smearing campaigns, received death threats and been forced, for two months, to leave Venezuela with his family.
CIVICUS’ Crisis Response Fund is supporting Humberto’s participation in the Forum on Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), where he will highlight the abuse in Venezuelan prisons and seek support and resources for OVP. Ratification of the Optional Protocol by the Venezuelan Government could become one of the most important instruments in preventing torture in Venezuela. In addition, visibility and participation in international fora are important preventative mechanisms for Humberto and his family. Raising his international profile increases his protection against the threatening activities of the Venezuelan Government.Â
Civil Society in Venezuela is under threat and their situation is not unique. In fact, a recent CIVICUS report indicates that civil society operates in restrictive environments in over 90 countries around the world.
CIVICUS needs your help to support and protect human rights defenders like Dr Humberto Prado Sifontes. Your contribution can play a vital difference to those fighting to protect, realise and advance democratic and human rights for all.
Stand shoulder to shoulder with your civil society colleagues under threat and make a donation today- support the CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund, support Human Rights Defenders, support civil society.
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