Amnesty International has called for international scrutiny and accountability for the increased repression in Venezuela, highlighting intensified government attacks on civic space, arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and violations of due process. The organization urges the immediate release of political detainees and an end to attacks on civil society, condemning the government's efforts to undermine NGOs' freedom of association.

Amnesty International (AI) has called for international scrutiny and accountability for the increased repression in Venezuela, highlighting intensified government attacks on civic space, arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and violations of due process. AI urges the immediate release of political detainees and cessation of attacks on civil society, condemning the government's efforts to undermine NGOs' freedom of association.

In Venezuela, elderly women like Yolanda González and Angelina Sosa are increasingly responsible for raising their grandchildren due to economic hardship and migration. The NGO Convite's study highlights the significant caregiving role played by grandmothers, with 36% of those surveyed taking care of grandchildren. The economic crisis exacerbates their situation, with pensions and social security deemed insufficient, and many suffering from health issues like hypertension. The psychological impact of these responsibilities is also a concern, with some experiencing symptoms of anxiety and stress. The term 'grandparent slavery syndrome' has been coined to describe the overwhelming burden faced by these elderly caregivers.

Ecuador, once known as an 'Island of Peace', is now facing an 'internal armed conflict' due to a surge in violence linked to narcotraffic. The conflict's origins trace back to events such as the use of Ecuadorian ports for drug transit, the introduction of dollarization, the 2008 Constitution prohibiting foreign military bases, and the declaration of universal citizenship in 2010. The country ended 2023 with a high rate of violent deaths, surpassing other Latin American nations. Recent events include the assassination of political figures, prison riots, and the escape of high-profile criminals. The government has declared a state of emergency, involving military operations and curfews, to combat the crisis.

Ecuador, once known as an 'Island of Peace,' is now grappling with an internal armed conflict driven by narcotrafficking and criminal violence. The escalation began with the use of Ecuadorian ports by Colombian and Peruvian mafias, the impact of dollarization, the 2008 constitution barring foreign military bases, and the 2010 declaration of universal citizenship. The government, under President Daniel Novoa, has declared a state of internal armed conflict, involving military and police operations to curb the violence. High-profile assassinations, prison riots, and the takeover of a TV station have marked the crisis. The conflict has significant implications for regional economies and has fueled xenophobia, particularly against Venezuelan migrants.

The annual summary from the UCV's Rain Station Bulletin reported that 2023 ended as an 'extremely rainy' year with total precipitation reaching 1,182.9 mm, exceeding the annual average of 893.8 mm from previous years. December was noted as an 'extremely dry month' with only 1.3 mm of rain, well below the monthly average of 44.1 mm. Despite the 'La Niña' event (cold phase) from January to April, precipitation was below average, while from May to November, it was above average despite the 'El Niño' event (warm phase). September and October were highlighted as 'extraordinarily rainy,' with three times the September average and twice the October average, attributed to the warming of the Atlantic Ocean during the tropical wave season. The bulletin also mentioned that there have been four consecutive years of above-average rainfall, with annual precipitation between 1,000 and 1,200 mm since 2019. The UCV station's analysis suggests that the annual rainfall for 2024 might be below average, considering there has never been a five or six-year sequence above average. It is noted that rainfall over 30 mm in Caracas is the threshold for significant damage or hazardous situations such as floods, mass movements, soil slips, and falling trees.

The Faculty of Medicine at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) has decided to allow community doctors to participate in the admission process for clinical postgraduate studies, aligning with other public and autonomous universities in the country. This decision is in compliance with the Law of Medical Practice and aims to prevent discrimination against community doctors. The Vice President of the National Academy of Medicine, Huniades Urbina, and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Mario Patiño, emphasize that this move ensures fair competition and maintains the quality of medical education. The UCV will allow these doctors to take the admission exam, and only those who pass will proceed to further stages of the selection process.

Nelson Piñero, an activist from the political party Encuentro Ciudadano, was detained by the Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional (Sebin) at midnight without a court order. The detention was reported by his son via Piñero's account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The reasons for the detention remain unclear, and the family has not received any information from Sebin. Piñero is known for his active criticism of the government and the country's situation on social media.

Nelson Piñero, an activist from the political party Encuentro Ciudadano, was detained by the Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional (Sebin) at midnight without a court order. The arrest was announced by Encuentro Ciudadano on social media, and Piñero's son confirmed the detention, stating that the reasons were unclear and related to his father's activity on the social network X. The article highlights the lack of judicial process and the activist's critical stance against the government.