WFP accord will raise humanitarian hopes in Venezuela

Significance

A breakthrough agreement with President Nicolas Maduro’s government will enable the World Food Programme (WFP) to begin distribution of food to children. A portion of Venezuelan funds frozen in the United States has also been released for payment to the COVAX initiative for 11 million vaccine doses.

Impacts

• For Biden, shifting to a more nuanced engagement will require a complex unpacking of sanctions, strategy and stakeholders.
• The WFP agreement may facilitate wider humanitarian assistance.
• Despite encouraging progress in some areas, domestic moves by the government, including against NGOs, are less promising.