International donor conference for solidarity with Venezuelan refugees and migrants – UNHCR Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Over 5.6 million Venezuelans have left their country, most of them in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. © UNHCR / Ilaria Rapido Ragozzino
In the run-up to the international donor conference on June 17, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) call for renewed international support to meet the urgent needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela and to help their host countries.
“Since the exodus of the Venelans extends over an inzo period, there is a risk that.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the region and the future of millions of refugees and migrants and the host society is at stake. Solidarity and commitment are needed more than ever to ensure the delivery of aid. “
Due to ongoing lockdowns, the loss of livelihoods and increasing poverty, refugees and migrants are dependent on niche emergency aid. Especially in the areas of health, food security, water and basic sanitation as well as access to education and income opportunities, the need is gross. The pandemic has also resulted in increased evictions and homelessness. In addition, the number of reported cases of gender-based violence and mental health problems has increased dramatically.
Venezuela is one of the biggest displacement crises in the world. To date, over 5.6 million people have left their country. In this context, the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (RMRP) 2021 brings together 159 organizations to respond to the urgent needs of these people and create longer-term resilience and integration solutions for a swift 3.3 million Venezuelans and members of the host communities . Even so, the $ 1.44 billion plan remains severely underfunded.
Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean take in 80 percent of refugees and migrants from Venezuela. They have further demonstrated their solidarity during the global health emergency, particularly through the establishment of large-scale regularization programs. However, the pandemic has put a dangerous strain on national capacities.
“The burden shouldn’t fall on the countries of the region alone. The international responsibility, this well-founded community has to support the regional stability “, said Stein. “A gap in funding would leave hundreds of thousands unprotected, with few opportunities to rebuild a life of dignity.”
Canada will host the next International Donor Conference for the benefit of Venezuelan refugees and migrants on June 17, 2021. This is done in cooperation with UNHCR and IOM, who run the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V). The event WILL bring together host and donor governments and key stakeholders in the relief efforts – including the private sector, development banks and civil society.
