WHERE / LATIN AMERICA / VENEZUELA /

VENEZUELA

Afro-Venezuelans have had a significant impact on the political and economic history of the country and the region. Though the estimated number of Afro- descendants in Venezuela today varies, the 2011 National Census will provide an opportunity for Venezuelans to identify explicitly as Afro-Venezuelan, providing important information for both the grassroots movement as well as the government. In May 2011, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved the country’s first Law Against Racial Discrimination, created with the support of some Afro-Venezuelan civil society organizations.

TransAfrica works with Afro-descendant civil society and elected representatives to increase critical dialogue about Afro-Venezuelan inclusion. TransAfrica analyzes U.S. policy towards Venezuela and develops products, forums for dialogue and delegations to support the Afro-Venezuelan civil society movement. TransAfrica has participated as U.S. electoral accompaniers during February 2009 Constitutional Referendum and September 2010 Legislative Elections; both were observed as overwhelmingly free, fair, transparent and secure. Today, TransAfrica continues to work with members of the Afro- Venezuelan Network, the national student movement and Afro-Venezuelan elected officials.