Machado’s Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was unable to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on December 10, 2025, due to safety concerns. In her absence, her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the prestigious award on her behalf during a ceremony held in Oslo, Norway. Machado has been in hiding since January 9, 2025, when she was briefly detained while participating in a protest in Caracas.

At the ceremony, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, praised Machado for her courage and commitment to democracy. He stated, “María Corina Machado has done everything in her power to be able to attend the ceremony here today — a journey in a situation of extreme danger.” He reassured the audience that Machado was safe, receiving applause from the attendees.

Earlier on the day of the ceremony, both the director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute and Machado’s spokesperson confirmed her absence. Ana Corina Sosa stepped in to represent her mother, highlighting the significance of the award for the Venezuelan people.

In a heartfelt audio message published on the Nobel website, Machado acknowledged the risks faced by many who supported her. She expressed gratitude, stating, “I am very grateful to them, and this is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people.” Machado also mentioned the presence of fellow Venezuelans who traveled to Oslo, adding a personal touch to the event.

Solidarity from Latin American Leaders

The ceremony drew notable attendance from several prominent Latin American leaders, showcasing 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 struggle against the Venezuelan government.

Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democratic transition in Venezuela, was announced as the laureate on October 10, 2025. She has been described as a figure who “keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.” Despite winning an opposition primary election, she was barred from challenging President Nicolás Maduro in the 2024 presidential election due to government restrictions. The election itself was marred by widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests, and human rights violations.

Former diplomat Edmundo González, who took Machado’s place as the opposition candidate, attended the ceremony. He has sought asylum in Spain after a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest. The ceremony was marked by a large portrait of Machado, serving as a reminder of her absence.

Concerns About Human Rights in Venezuela

The situation in Venezuela has drawn international scrutiny, particularly from United Nations human rights officials and various independent rights organizations. Many have called for accountability regarding the government’s crackdown on dissent and the ongoing human rights abuses within the country.

Historically, several Nobel Peace Prize laureates have faced similar challenges. Five past winners were detained or imprisoned at the time of their awards. Notable cases include Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi in 2023 and Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski in 2022.

Human rights activist Gustavo Tovar-Arroyo, who has been in exile since 2012, remarked on the difficulties faced by Machado’s supporters. He expressed disappointment over her absence but acknowledged the risks involved in fighting against a repressive regime. “We knew the risk,” Tovar-Arroyo stated. “This is part of what we do when we fight against a dictatorship, a tyranny or a criminal regime. So we are used to it.”

As the ceremony concluded, it became clear that the Nobel Peace Prize not only recognized María Corina Machado’s contributions but also served as a beacon of hope for the Venezuelan people striving for democracy and justice.