The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH) warmly welcomes the adoption by the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the Law of Amnesty for Democratic Coexistence, approved on 19 February 2026.
ELDH positively values all efforts aimed at promoting democratic coexistence, the de-judicialisation of political conflicts, and the creation of conditions conducive to reconciliation. Amnesty measures, when framed in compliance with international human rights law and the constitutional order of the State, may constitute legitimate instruments to support reconciliation processes and institutional stabilisation.
We commend the efforts undertaken by the various institutional and social actors who contributed to the drafting and adoption of this legislation. In contexts of prolonged political polarisation, legislative initiatives seeking to reduce confrontation can represent meaningful steps toward rebuilding public trust and strengthening the rule of law.
ELDH also welcomes the establishment of the parliamentary monitoring committee provided for under this law as an institutional mechanism aimed at ensuring its proper implementation and evaluation. We call upon the Venezuelan authorities and parties to continue advancing initiatives that promote democratic coexistence, dialogue, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks, in full respect of the Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela and the State international obligations.
Brussels, 20 February 2026