On Monday, December 2, WOLA had the pleasure of collaborating with Tulane University’s Center for Inter-American Policy and Research (CIPR) to host a discussion on the prospect of an oil-for-necessities program to alleviate Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis. WOLA hosted renowned Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez to discuss his recent June 2019 report which identifies a clear link between U.S. sanctions, oil revenue, and declining living standards in Venezuela. In his presentation, Rodriguez used economic research to support his argument and propose a new oil-for-food plan tailored specifically to mitigate the humanitarian impact of oil sanctions and provide necessary aid to the Venezuelan people.

Rodriguez is the founder and director of the Oil for Venezuela Foundation, which works to conduct research and provide political advocacy to promote an alternative solution to Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis.

This event was the first of a 2-part series on the humanitarian impact of sanctions in Venezuela. Part 2 of this series will take place in early 2020 at Tulane University, and will feature Francisco Rodriguez alongside fellow Venezuela experts and economists.