Venezuela's Defensoría del Pueblo to launch youth human rights program

Venezuela’s Defensoría del Pueblo has announced the upcoming launch of the ‘Jóvenes Defensoriales’ program. Announced by Ombudsman Eglée González Lobato in Anzoátegui state, the initiative aims to train youth in human rights defense, community risk management, and the care of adolescents in conflict with criminal law.

The program will be implemented through a strategic alliance with the Ministry of Penitentiary Service, offering workshops, diplomas, and specialized training designed to facilitate effective social and community reintegration.

During the National Consultation for Criminal Justice Reform, González Lobato emphasized that poverty must not result in procedural disadvantages or determine an individual's deprivation of liberty. She also stressed the need for the principle of presumption of innocence and called for a differential approach to the penal system regarding women and indigenous communities.