Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Venezuela: Children Face Hunger, Malnutrition, and Protection Risks
Caracas – January 14, 2026. Eleven days after the United States’ military incursion into Venezuelan territory, the country is navigating a profound humanitarian crisis, institutional control by the ruling Chavista movement under new leadership, and direct external oversight from Washington.
The intervention, which reportedly left close to 100 people dead (including 32 Cuban military personnel, according to official sources), culminated in the detention of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were transferred to New York, where they are facing judicial proceedings.
In the resulting power vacuum, Venezuela’s Supreme Court (TSJ) swore in Delcy Rodríguez as Interim President. Since January 8, the government has released several groups of political prisoners, including Spanish, Italian, and U.S. citizens. However, at least 13 journalists have been detained and/or deported, and arrests continue across multiple states. In addition, a State of External Commotion has been declared, allowing the military and the interim government to assume control over the population and the management of critical infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the United States is “in charge” of the transition and has demanded access to the country’s oil infrastructure and natural resources.
The growing military presence, travel restrictions, and public security risks have created an environment that threatens the minimum conditions required for schooling and for the resumption of classes scheduled by the government for January 12. It is important to note that, according to the 2024 National Survey of Living Conditions (ENCOVI), 3.9 million children, adolescents, and youth are currently out of the school system.
At the same time, the country’s socioeconomic situation has further deepened food insecurity, exposing children to serious health risks. A stark gap exists between income levels and the cost of living: while the basic food basket for a family of five is estimated at USD 633.99, the minimum wage—frozen at 130 bolivars for nearly four years, has effectively collapsed, amounting to approximately USD 0.40 per month.
This economic disparity has been translated into a critical humanitarian situation. According to recent data collected since January 3, 18.2% of children go to bed without eating, 49% of families are forced to reduce portion sizes to prioritize feeding children, and in 11.4% of households, at least one family member has gone a full 24 hours without food.
Impact on Children and Families
Venezuelan children are facing escalating challenges:
Children are experiencing psychosomatic symptoms, including inability to sleep or eat, persistent crying, and states of hypervigilance or what caregivers describe as “terror-induced silence.”
An increase in incidents of violence by parents or caregivers toward children, triggered by extreme stress and hunger.
Displacement of children and adolescents in other neighborhoods or states due to insecurity and the presence of armed groups.
Rising levels of hunger and malnutrition.
Heightened the risk of forced recruitment.
This combination of factors is pushing many families into critical conditions, where daily survival depends on limited access to nutritious food, healthcare, and community support.
World Vision’s Response
In this context, World Vision continues its work to protect children and their families through the following key actions:
Activation of all internal protocols to ensure the safety and security of staff.
Continuous monitoring of the national situation through our primary partners, churches and faith-based organizations across the country.
Rapid needs assessments, with a particular focus on nutrition, child protection, and basic services.
Active engagement within the humanitarian coordination structure, contributing to joint analysis and operational recommendations.
Since January 8, community kitchens have been reactivated in partnership with churches to ensure food access for the most vulnerable children.
Strengthening community networks and safe spaces for children and adolescents.
Call to the Humanitarian Community
World Vision urges the international humanitarian community and support offices to urgently scale up humanitarian assistance in Venezuela and in countries hosting Venezuelan migrants. Ensuring continuous and safe access to essential services is critical to protecting the lives and rights of children.
Conclusion
The convergence of hunger, malnutrition, threats to press freedom, and restricted access to basic services underscores that the situation in Venezuela requires a sustained humanitarian response, prioritizing the well-being, dignity, and rights of children and their families.
Contacts
Peter Gape – National Director, World Vision Colombia–Venezuela peter_gape@wvi.org
Shirley Hidalgo – Senior Operations Director, World Vision Colombia–Venezuela shirley_hidalgo@wvi.org
Mayerly Sánchez – Communications Manager, World Vision Colombia–Venezuela mayerly_sanchez@wvi.org