Machado’s Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo Ceremony

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was unable to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on December 10, 2025, due to safety concerns. Instead, her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the prestigious award on her behalf, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela.

The announcement that Machado would not attend came shortly before the ceremony, following her absence from public life since January 9, when she faced brief detention after participating in a protest in Caracas. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, acknowledged the risks Machado faced, stating that she had “done everything in her power” to be present but was unable to travel due to “extreme danger.” He reassured the audience of her safety, which was met with applause.

Machado, in an audio message released on the Nobel organization’s website, expressed gratitude for the many individuals who have “risked their lives” in support of her cause. She emphasized that the award represents recognition for all Venezuelans, stating, “I know that there are hundreds of Venezuelans from different parts of the world that were able to reach your city… and since this is a prize for all Venezuelans, I believe that it will be received by them.”

Solidarity from Latin American Leaders

The ceremony drew significant attention from prominent Latin American politicians who attended in solidarity with Machado. Among them were Javier Milei, President of Argentina, Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador, José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, and Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay. Their presence underscored the regional support for Machado’s fight against the authoritarian regime in Venezuela.

Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize win was announced on October 10, 2025, recognizing her tireless efforts to promote democratic governance in her country. The Nobel committee described her as a figure who “keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.” Following her victory in an opposition primary election, she aimed to challenge President Nicolás Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections, but the government disqualified her from running. The election, held on July 28, 2024, was marred by widespread repression, including arrests and human rights violations.

Retired diplomat Edmundo González, who took Machado’s place in the election and later sought asylum in Spain, was also present at the ceremony, which featured a large portrait of Machado.

Concerns Over Human Rights in Venezuela

The situation in Venezuela has drawn international scrutiny, with U.N. human rights officials and various independent organizations calling for accountability regarding the government’s crackdown on dissent. Past Nobel Peace Prize laureates have similarly faced challenges, with five previous winners detained or imprisoned at the time of their awards, including Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi in 2023 and Belarusian advocate Ales Bialiatski in 2022.

Gustavo Tovar-Arroyo, a Venezuelan human rights activist in exile since 2012, expressed disappointment over Machado’s absence from the ceremony but acknowledged the inherent risks involved in opposing a dictatorial regime. “We knew the risk,” he stated, underscoring the sacrifices made by Machado’s supporters in their pursuit of justice and democracy.

The Nobel Peace Prize serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Venezuela and the resilience of those fighting against oppression. As Machado’s daughter accepted the award in her mother’s stead, it became clear that the fight for democracy in Venezuela continues to resonate beyond its borders.