humanitarian crisis

Édgar Ramírez urges protection for children after Venezuela earthquake amid human trafficking fears


The acclaimed actor warned that children separated from their families face an increased risk


© Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JULY 2, 2026 2:30 PM EDT

Venezuelan actor and producer Édgar Ramírez is using his global platform to call for immediate action to protect children rescued in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. As search and rescue teams continue pulling survivors from the rubble, the acclaimed actor warned that children separated from their families face an increased risk of human trafficking during the humanitarian crisis.

Ramírez shared a video on social media highlighting the urgent need for organizations such as UNICEF and humanitarian groups to step in and safeguard vulnerable children. The video, originally posted by journalist Mariana Atencio, focuses on the growing concern that chaos following natural disasters can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit displaced minors.

Ramírez shared a video on social media highlighting the urgent need for organizations such as UNICEF and humanitarian groups © Getty Images for The Red Sea Int
Ramírez shared a video on social media highlighting the urgent need for organizations such as UNICEF and humanitarian groups

"Human trafficking thrives during a humanitarian crisis like the one we are facing right now. We need to take action to protect these children, and we know the government system is not equipped to do so," the caption accompanying the video reads.

The actor, known for his humanitarian advocacy as well as his work in film and television, has consistently spoken out on issues affecting his home country. In another emotional post, Ramírez described the heartbreaking reality unfolding as rescue crews continue their efforts.

The actor, known for his humanitarian advocacy as well as his work in film and television, has consistently spoken out on issues affecting his home country.© Getty Images
The actor, known for his humanitarian advocacy as well as his work in film and television, has consistently spoken out on issues affecting his home country.

"Right now, hundreds of children are being pulled from the rubble in Venezuela. Some are injured, some are alone, and many are terrified. Many of these children have lost their parents, while others are still waiting for relatives to be located," he wrote.

Ramírez also spotlighted the work of Fundación Hogar Bambi, an organization providing shelter and care for children affected by the disaster. He praised the nonprofit's response while explaining that the scale of the emergency has stretched its resources beyond capacity.

"In the midst of this emergency, Fundación Hogar Bambi is carrying out extraordinary work to protect and care for them," Ramírez said.

Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez is urging global action to protect children rescued after the Venezuela earthquake, warning of trafficking risks and supporting relief efforts.
© Getty Images for The Red Sea Int
Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez is urging global action to protect children rescued after the Venezuela earthquake, warning of trafficking risks and supporting relief efforts.

The actor urged supporters to contribute to the organization's emergency relief efforts, explaining that donations are helping provide food, medicine, transportation, hygiene supplies, volunteer coordination, and assistance in identifying and safely documenting children impacted by the earthquake.

"This organization has spent more than 30 years working with vulnerable children, and today it urgently needs help because the scale of this tragedy has completely overwhelmed its ability to respond. Donations are being used to provide food, medicine, transportation, basic supplies, volunteer mobilization, coordination with healthcare centers, and to conduct a safe and responsible accounting of the affected children," he explained.

Beyond supporting child welfare organizations, Ramírez has also shared information about the immediate needs of first responders. He posted a list of urgently requested supplies for the Caracas University City Fire Department, including filtered face masks, rescue ropes, gloves, flashlights, and other essential equipment used during search and recovery operations.

A person searches for victims amid debris of demolished buildings as rescue efforts continue after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 25, 2026, in La Guaira, Venezuela. © Getty Images
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the main earthquake was followed by a 7.5-magnitude aftershock less than a minute later.

The actor has continued to amplify concerns raised by Venezuelans regarding the humanitarian response to the disaster. Through his social media accounts, he has reshared posts criticizing the arrival of military personnel carrying weapons instead of humanitarian assistance, arguing that resources should be directed toward rescue operations and aid for survivors.

Ramírez also highlighted a statement from the Venezuelan human rights organization Provea titled, "Without a Free Press, There Is No Truth." The statement warns about reported attempts to restrict international journalists covering conditions in La Guaira, emphasizing the importance of independent reporting during the country's ongoing emergency.

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Ramírez is encouraging the international community to support trusted relief groups and ensure that the youngest survivors receive the protection, care, and resources they urgently need.