Movimiento Vinotinto, a human rights NGO based in Venezuela, published a report on the psychological impact of Venezuela’s crackdown on dissent. Within the context of the so-called “Operation Tun Tun,” the study focuses on the most vulnerable groups — human rights defenders, journalists, community leaders, and others — and includes the Psychological First Aid tools.

The aftermath of Venezuela’s 2024 election did not just deal a blow to the work of the country’s civil society — the crackdown on dissent led to serious mental health consequences within their circles. To measure the impact, Movimiento Vinotinto interviewed journalists, rights defenders, and union leaders in the states of Lara and Yaracuy. The report presents the main findings, along with practical tools for immediate relief during crises or traumatic events. Movimiento Vinotinto stresses: Take care of those who defend rights.

Introduction

This Psychological First Aid Manual (PAP) is the result of a project carried out between August and December 2024 in Venezuela, in a critical context marked by the so-called “Operation Tun Tun”, which was implemented by the National Executive, where actions harmful to rights were carried out, aimed at repressing the critical opinions of civil society.

“Operation Tun Tun” has not only been an attack against institutions and citizens, but has also generated an environment of fear and repression, particularly affecting members of civil society, including human rights defenders, journalists, union leaders and those who served as election monitors. These groups, fundamental to the defense of essential freedoms and rights, have been exposed to intense psychological harassment aimed at silencing their voices and delegitimizing their efforts for social and political change.

In this context, it became an urgent need to implement emotional support strategies to mitigate the psychological impact and emotional toll of these aggressions. In this sense, to provide strategies, practical and accessible techniques for those on the front line of human rights advocacy, as well as for their colleagues, family members and anyone involved in this area.

Through this resource, we hope to empower human rights defenders, providing them not only with emotional care techniques but also a space for reflection and solidarity in times of adversity. As we move forward, it is vital to remember that the emotional well-being of each individual is key to maintaining resilience and working to respect the fundamental rights of all citizens.