Not long ago, Venezuela was the richest country in Latin America, holding vast oil reserves and receiving praise for its robust democracy. Despite Venezuela’s global admiration, in 2013, when Nicholas Maduro was sworn in, allegations that Maduro had manipulated the election sparked Venezuelan citizens to protest. The protests resulted in two dozen killed and over 2,000 detained. Today, staggering levels of poverty, disease, and food insecurity continue in Venezuela, alongside one of the largest displacement crises in the world with 8 million Venezuelans fleeing due to these conditions.

 

Furthermore, tensions with the United States have constantly been present, with Donald Trump and Maduro being particularly at odds. During President Trump’s first term in 2019, his administration declared Maduro and his government to be illegitimate. In January of 2026, the Trump administration launched Operation Absolute Resolve, resulting in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. While the US asserts that this is a campaign against illegal drugs, Trump has expressed his desire for the United States to “run” Venezuela. Currently, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been serving as the acting president of Venezuela. With uncertain times dividing both Americans and Venezuelans, a question arises: how far should foreign governments intervene in other nations? Delegates on this committee will collaborate to address this issue and discuss a lasting solution to Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis.